Time for course correction: Backward classes, Dalits hold key to Congress revival, says Congress OBC leaders

JIND: There are several reasons for Congress's unexpected defeat in the recent assembly election results, with one of the main ones being the neglect of the backward and Dalit communities. In Haryana, there is no general secretary from the backward class in the Congress party, nor is there any member from this community in the CWC (Congress Working Committee). The backward class has been completely ignored within the Congress party in Haryana, and the community feels alienated. These remarks were made by senior Congress leader and OBC Cell national chairman, Captain Ajay Yadav.
Captain Ajay Yadav (65) said that ignoring the backward and Dalit communities has proven very costly for the Congress party, as was evident in the assembly election results. He emphasized that if Congress wants to strengthen itself, it must take all castes and communities along with it. The biggest loss for Congress is that the backward class, which was once a strong voter base for the party, has been sidelined, and there is no significant representation in key positions. “Even I have been made the OBC chairman, which is nothing more than a ‘jhunjhuna’ (rattle). The party must genuinely give space to the backward and Dalit communities,” he added.
In addition, Yadav said that the fight over the CM post before the formation of the Congress government also sent a negative message, and the polarization of votes in South Haryana was influenced by Maman Khan's statement. A government cannot be formed solely on the strength of one caste and one leader as everyone must be taken along, captain added.
Surender Kumar Saini, (38) the National OBC Coordinator of All India Congress committee (AICC) said that Congress did receive votes from the backward classes, but not in the proportion that it should have. He mentioned that the Congress organization has been inactive in Haryana for the past 12 years, and “i hope the party will soon focus on this issue. There are many lessons to be learned from this election, and we will fight the next one with more strength,” he said. He emphasized that only the Congress party can benefit society and the country, and this needs to be understood by every community.
"Our fight is against the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is trying to divide society on the communal lines. That’s why we will fight this battle together and with greater strength. This is not the time to be disheartened or frustrated but to stand with the party and show unity. Therefore, we will openly oppose the BJP’s divisive policies and resolve to work to strengthen Congress in future, he added.
A political expert said that SC communities contribute around 21 percent and OBCs around 50 percent in the state who have a major impact in electoral politics in every segment of Haryana. However, both marginalised sections felt ignored in Congress and this was visible due to recent developments. The Jat community contributes around 29 percent. Congress failed to balance the caste equation which led to a debacle in recently held assembly elections. “If Congress is seeking a revival in state’s politics, top brass will have to change strategy along with better coordination among all sections of society. One can’t form a government with the help of one caste as every community is required to form a government. Bhupinder Singh Hooda failed to win the trust of different castes which led to a defeat,” he added.