Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) president Gurnam Singh Charuni on Sunday claimed that farmers had created a "favourable atmosphere" for the Congress in Haryana, but the party, however, failed to capitalise on it. Charuni, who is also the founder of the Sanyukt Sangharsh Party, exclusively told IANS that the sole reason behind Congress' defeat in the state was former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
"The atmosphere that was created in favor of Congress in Haryana was due to us, the farmers, but the party couldn't make the best out of it," said Charuni, further condemning Congress for being a carbon copy of the BJP approach and not being on the side of the farmer.
Taking a direct swipe at Hooda, Charuni remarked, "He is the biggest reason for Congress' defeat because he did not compromise with anyone, and the party placed all the responsibility on him."
Charuni issued a strong warning to the Congress leadership, cautioning them not to entrust Hooda with future responsibilities if they aim to secure the position of Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Haryana Assembly.
"I want to say to the high command of the Congress through you that if you want to become the LoP in the Haryana Assembly, do not give responsibility to Bhupendra Singh Hooda," he asserted. Recalling Hooda's position for the past ten years, Charuni said that he had not been able to play the role of effective opposition.
"The farmers' union played the role of the opposition, not Bhupinder Singh Hooda," he added.
Charuni also revealed that he had properly cautioned the Congress party much before the Assembly elections that Hooda would take the party to failure.
He alleged that Hooda had promised a ticket to the farmers during Lok Sabha elections but later backed out.
"If Hooda had compromised with Abhay Chautala and given him a ticket, Congress would have won nine seats in Haryana," Charuni said.
BKU chief also accused Hooda of siding down important people within Congress and other political allies.
"He sidelined Ramesh Dalal, who risked his life by fighting the murder case of Rajiv Gandhi, and also Harsh Chhikara, Balraj Kundu, Kumari Selja, Kiran Choudhary, and Randeep Singh Surjewala. He sidelined the Aam Aadmi Party, Abhay Chautala, and me also, even though we helped him."
"Rahul Gandhi had said that the farmer leaders must be made paramount in the elections. Priyanka Gandhi also said it would be a good thing if the party includes farmer leaders in the elections," he further said. At the end of his scathing attack, Charuni said, "In giving a sidelined to everyone, Hooda ultimately sidelined himself. God has now sidelined him, too."
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