Uproar Over Rao Narender Singh's Appointment as Haryana Congress President; Sampat Singh and Senior Leaders Raise Concerns

The Congress Party’s announcement of Rao Narender Singh as the new Haryana unit president has sparked intense internal dissent and protests from senior leaders. Sampat Singh, a former minister and vocal critic of ex-Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has accused the leadership of reinstating someone he claims has “harmed the party”—referring to allegations surrounding Singh’s past government role and controversy over the "cash-for-CLU" sting operation in 2016.

Sampat Singh condemned the decision, arguing that it is impossible to repair the loss caused by such appointments and lamenting the disappointment among loyal party workers. He questioned the rationale behind promoting figures linked to old controversies and criticized the lack of fresh, youthful leadership, stating that public trust in Congress is further eroding.

The recent appointments come nearly a year after the last assembly elections and include Bhupinder Singh Hooda resuming his post as Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader. Senior party figures like Captain Ajay Singh Yadav openly voiced their disapproval on social media, expressing concern over the declining morale and performance of Congress in Haryana. Yadav insisted that Rahul Gandhi’s vision for clean, unblemished leadership is not reflected in Singh’s selection, highlighting ongoing factionalism between Hooda supporters and dissenting camps.

Rao Narender Singh, a former health minister and Narnaul MLA, faces an unresolved criminal case lodged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, related to an alleged land-use bribery sting operation. His appointment is seen as an effort to woo the influential OBC voter base, but it has reignited lingering mistrust and rivalry within Haryana Congress ranks. Meanwhile, Congress leaders like Brijendra Singh plan to address issues of public harmony in the state through initiatives like the Sadbhav Yatra, further highlighting the party’s struggle to achieve unity ahead of upcoming elections.

Overall, the uproar underscores the persistent internal divisions in Haryana Congress and the challenges in balancing party authority and credible leadership.