Haryana Assembly Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi's Sankalp Yatra – A Voter Outreach or Damage Control Exercise?

As the Haryana Assembly elections 2024 draw near, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has kicked off the Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra from September 30 to October 3. This yatra is aimed at strengthening the Congress party’s position in the elections. However, there seems to be a substantial gap between the yatra’s grand promotion and its actual impact on the ground.

A Confused Campaign Strategy?

The Congress party appears to lack a clear election campaign strategy in Haryana. This confusion became evident when the party had to release its election manifesto twice. Initially, Congress launched its manifesto from Delhi, but as soon as they realized that BJP’s manifesto was gaining significant voter interest, the Congress leadership hurriedly released another manifesto from Chandigarh. This move reflected the party’s reactive and uncertain approach, raising questions about whether Congress is truly prepared for the electoral battle or if they are already conceding ground.

Damage Control Instead of a Real Sankalp?

Rahul Gandhi’s Sankalp Yatra seems more focused on damage control rather than setting concrete resolutions for Haryana’s development. In states where Congress has promised much but delivered little, the yatra appears to be an effort to distract voters from these failings. Rather than presenting a robust plan for progress in Haryana, the roadshow seems aimed at shifting public attention away from internal party issues and failures in governance.

Rahul Gandhi’s Controversial Statements

Adding to Congress’s woes in Haryana, Rahul Gandhi’s recent trip to the United States has ignited fresh controversies. During this visit, he made several controversial statements, including remarks perceived as anti-Sikh and opinions on ending reservations. These statements have not only offended various communities but have also tarnished the party’s image. Addressing the aftermath of these controversies is now proving to be a significant challenge for Congress.

The Kumari Selja Episode

In Haryana, another problem for Congress is the marginalization of senior Dalit leader Kumari Selja. Her perceived sidelining has caused discontent within the Dalit community, and voters are noticing her absence in the party’s core election campaign. This neglect is adding to the party’s internal problems, and while Congress is pushing the Sankalp Yatra as a show of strength, it looks more like an attempt to sweep these issues under the rug.

Will the Yatra Resonate with Voters?

While Congress hopes that the Sankalp Yatra will help divert attention from their internal struggles and past governance failures, it remains uncertain whether this strategy will resonate with voters. Many party insiders believe that the yatra is more about fixing the damage caused by past mistakes rather than offering a clear vision for Haryana’s future.

Challenges Ahead for Congress

Rahul Gandhi’s yatra faces multiple challenges. His statements have caused a rift with different sections of society, while the party struggles to present a cohesive leadership team in Haryana. Key leaders are not seen actively supporting the campaign, and Congress’s roadmap for Haryana’s development remains unclear.

In conclusion, Rahul Gandhi’s Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra is seen by many as a last-ditch effort to control the damage done to Congress’s image. Whether this yatra will boost the party’s standing in Haryana or simply highlight its internal problems remains to be seen as election day approaches.