Chief Ministerial Ambitions Galore In Haryana As Congress Projected To Secure Majority In Exit Polls

As exit polls suggest a likely Congress victory in Haryana, attention is shifting towards the selection of the next Chief Minister of the state.

Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the former chief minister of Haryana and a senior Congress leader, stated that the decision on the next Chief Minister would be made by the party’s “high command.”

The Haryana assembly consists of 90 seats, with the majority mark set at 46.

According to most exit polls, the Congress is expected to secure between 44 and 61 seats.

However, it’s important to note that exit polls are not always accurate.

When questioned about the chief ministerial aspirations of senior leaders Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala, Hooda said, "We are expecting to win many more seats. Under the BJP, law and order has become worse, corruption has increased, and sports have not been spared too", NDTV reported.

Responding to speculation about Congress leaders already planning a cabinet formation, Hooda replied, "The high command will decide. These are hypothetical questions."

Kumari Selja and Randeep Surjewala, senior Congress leaders from the state, have also expressed interest in the Chief Minister’s post.

On whether Selja could become the next Chief Minister, Hooda responded, "This is democracy. Everybody should aspire. You can also aspire. But the MLAs will decide, the high command will decide."

During a rally on 27 September, Hooda predicted a “massive mandate” for Congress in Haryana.

He downplayed rumours of infighting, stating that having multiple contenders for the Chief Minister’s position would only strengthen the party.

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