Rahul Gandhi sets zero tolerance for factionalism in Haryana Cong, outlines roadmap for setting up district units
Chandigarh: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha
Rahul Gandhi
on Wednesday delivered a message of zero tolerance for factionalism among Haryana leaders and issued strict guidelines to central observers to remain impartial and uninfluenced by local or state leaders during their assignments.
Rahul unveiled a comprehensive plan to constitute district units of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC), aimed at reviving the party's grassroots presence ahead of the 2025 elections.
According to party sources, observers will begin field visits from June 10, with final panels of three candidates for each district expected by June 30. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) will then announce district presidents.
The selection process emphasises social engineering, with special focus on Scheduled Castes (SC), Backward Classes (BC), and women's representation. Observers are instructed to prioritise young leadership between the ages of 35 and 55, alongside merit-based criteria.
This marks the first concerted effort by AICC to end long-standing factionalism within the Haryana Congress and properly constitute district executives after an 11-year hiatus.
During his three-hour visit to HPCC headquarters here, Rahul chaired three key meetings. The first involved a 17-member committee of senior Haryana leaders and AICC officials, including former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, HPCC president Udai Bhan, Lok Sabha MP Selja, former Union minister Birender Singh, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, and other senior functionaries.
Sources said that Rahul warned the leaders against allowing factional disputes to damage the party and patiently heard their concerns.
Following this, he met with central and state observers, outlining strict dos and don'ts for finalising district executive panels. The AICC has appointed 22 observers, including MPs and former ministers, who will work alongside 51 HPCC-appointed observers to assess aspirants across districts.
B K Hariparsad, AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana affairs, told mediapersons, "Rahul has instructed observers not to favour senior leaders, sitting or former MLAs or MPs, nor to avail any facilities provided by them.
Complaints against observers will be taken seriously, and replacements can be made if necessary. Effective and honest observers may receive more responsible assignments."
Hariparsad acknowledged that factionalism has stalled district unit formation for over a decade, contributing to narrow election losses. "We lost by a margin of just 0.5% due to weak grassroots organisation. The year 2025 will be dedicated to party strengthening.
Observers have clear instructions to avoid favoritism. Only real performers will be at the forefront."
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Airport welcome by Lucky, Warring
Rahul Gandhi was received at Chandigarh airport by Chandigarh Territorial Congress Committee president Harmohinder Singh Lucky and PPCC President Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
Rahul's gesture for Birender
In a gesture of respect, Rahul asked AICC general secretary K C Venugopal to invite veteran leader Birender Singh to the dais ahead of the observers' meeting.
Tanwar springs surprise
A surprise attendee was former HPCC president Ashok Tanwar, who was invited last minute. Tanwar left Congress in 2019, joined various parties, including the BJP, before returning to Congress.
'5-yr no-post rule for BJP entrants'
B K Hariparsad, AICC general secretary in-charge of Haryana affairs, clarified the party's position on recent entrants from BJP or RSS backgrounds. "Anyone joining from BJP or RSS must serve as a volunteer for five years before eligibility for any Congress post. This does not apply to those who left Congress earlier and then returned," he said.
Seniors asked to give tips
Before launching the roadmap, Rahul gave senior leaders a platform to voice their concerns and suggestions to strengthen the party at all levels in Haryana.
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