Days ahead of the assembly polls in Haryana, the Congress party expelled 13 leaders for six years due to anti-party activities. Presumably, the party took this move to check indiscipline within its ranks.
Among those expelled is Sajjan Singh Dhull, a former candidate from the Pundri and Pai Legislative Assembly who joined Congress last December. The Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee announced the suspensions in an official notification. Furthermore, the party stated that these leaders engaged in groups that opposed party candidates. Consequently, this action reflects Congress’s commitment to maintaining discipline. And working against it by contesting the ongoing assembly election against the official candidates.
This move clearly shows that the party is keen to keep its rank intact in oncoming elections. The list of the suspended leaders is impressive. Naresh Dhande from the Guhla (SC) Assembly segment, Pradeep Gill from Jind, Sunita Battan from Pundri, Rajiv Mamuram Gondar from Nilokheri (SC), Dayal Singh Sirohi from Nilokheri (SC) and Vijay Jain from Panipat Rural face expulsion. The party also suspended Dilbeg Sandil from Uchana Kalan, Ajit Phogat from Dadri, Abhijeet Singh from Bhiwani. Satbir Ratera from Bawani Khera (SC), Nitu Mann from Prithla and Anita Dhull Badsikri from Kalayat.
Haryana is all geared up to go to the polls on October 5. In all, 90 members will be elected to form the next government of the state. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.
In the 2019 elections, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. This year, the political climate remains tense. And the expulsion of these leaders may have some bearing on the party’s performance.
This has made the task of putting up a united front much more difficult for the Congress party. Still, the party is going ahead with taking strong actions against those perceived as disloyal. Hoping the remaining ones will fall in line and present a united front.
That would be important in the dynamics of Congress as election day draws near. The party has to balance its moves between sorting out internal squabbles and reaching out to the electorate. The result of this election might alter the political landscape of Haryana. And that is what makes these developments so important.
The expulsion of these leaders also underlines how keen the Congress party is to tackle indiscipline. All eyes will be on the upcoming elections now; literally, every move will be watched.
ANI
