Congress' Retrospective Meeting On Haryana Loss

A Congress meeting led by Mallikarjun Kharge to review the party's loss in Haryana highlighted key challenges. 

Attended by Rahul Gandhi, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and other party leaders the meeting notably excluded Randeep Singh Surjewala and Kumari Selja both significant stakeholders. The discussion focused on reasons for the defeat, including internal conflicts, EVM issues, the impact of rebel candidates and the failure to form an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party. 

These insights are expected to shape Congress’s strategy for upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections. Surjewala distanced himself from the campaign, feeling sidelined by the Hoodas' influence while Shelja has openly criticized the overemphasis on Jat voters which she believes alienated other groups.

A top Congress source noted that the results reflected dissatisfaction with the Hoodas as Rahul Gandhi’s association with Deepender Hooda fueled concerns of their dominance within the party.