The first meeting of the Congress Haryana incharge, Sanjay Dutt, with state leaders underlined infighting in the party.

On the first day in Chandigarh, Dutt held an open-house discussion, which was attended by several leaders, including state party president Rao Narender Singh, former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former Union minister Birender Singh, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja, Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, and general secretary Randeep Surjewala.

Selja said the failure to return to power was a big question mark. She said problems arise when party workers are divided on the ground. “Every time a new incharge arrives, we say we will work together, but this needs to be translated into action,” she said.

Birender Singh said a Congress worker’s identity should not be defined by association with any individual; rather, it should be defined by the ideology of the party.

Targeting the BJP, Deepender Hooda alleged that the state government was not formed by the will of people, but was brought about by the Election Commission and the use of black money.

To fight the BJP, “homeopathic medicine will not work”, said Surjewala, adding that “an operation will have to be performed”.

In response to Deepender Hooda’s comment on Congress’ high vote percentage in the state, Surjewala asked, “But how many MLAs came?”

Expressing concern over SIR, he alleged that efforts would be made to reduce party votes by 5,000 to 10,000 in every Assembly. He also pointed out that the reason for the party’s defeat was caste polarisation.

Bhupinder Hooda held the Election Commission responsible for the party’s defeat in the Assembly elections. On factionalism, he said a difference of opinion was common even within a family. “If you want to unite everyone, bring them out onto the streets,” he said.

Dutt said if they wanted to change the government, they must first strengthen the organisation. “Our objective is to strengthen the organisation. We must reach out to every section of society, especially the marginalised. We must make the Congress the number one party in Haryana. There is immense power in unity; if we stand together and work together, we will become a powerful force,” he said.

He added, “I want three pledges from party workers. I seek a pledge of unity, discipline, and hard work.” Dutt also held one-to-one talks with MPs and MLAs.