Haryana assembly elections 2024: Is Rahul Gandhi's Sankalp Yatra a strategy to attract voters or manage party fallout?

As the Haryana assembly elections draw near, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has initiated the Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra, running from September 30 to October 3. The objective of this journey is to strengthen the Congress party's foothold in the upcoming elections. However, there seems to be a notable discrepancy between the yatra's visibility and its actual effectiveness on the ground.

The Congress party's election strategy in Haryana appears unclear, evident from their decision to release their manifesto twice. The first manifesto was unveiled in Delhi, but when it became clear that the BJP's manifesto was resonating with voters, Congress issued a second version from Chandigarh. This response indicates a lack of cohesive planning and strategy, raising concerns about their campaign's direction.

Damage control or genuine progress?

Rahul Gandhi's yatra seems more focused on damage control rather than establishing a robust vision for Haryana’s future. In states where Congress has historically failed to deliver on its promises, this roadshow appears to be an attempt to divert attention from past shortcomings. Instead of presenting a concrete development plan for Haryana, the focus seems to be on shifting public perception.

BIGGEST BREAKING 🚨

Rahul Gandhi ensured Bhupinder Hooda & Kumari Selja join hands

The Most Iconic Moment of Haryana elections 2024 ⚡

UNITED HARYANA CONGRESS 🇮🇳🔥 pic.twitter.com/MXkArz97c2

— Ankit Mayank (@mr_mayank) September 30, 2024

Internal struggles and public perception

Rahul Gandhi's controversial statements, particularly the marginalization of Kumari Selja, have resonated negatively with various voter segments in Haryana. These incidents have compounded Congress's challenges, leading many to view the Sankalp Yatra as a distraction from the party’s internal issues rather than a proactive step towards progress.

Future implications for Congress

While the Sankalp Yatra aims to engage the public, it remains uncertain whether this strategy will effectively address voter concerns or resonate with their needs. The effectiveness of this campaign approach will become clearer as election day approaches. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments during his U.S. visit, seen as controversial, may further complicate Congress's standing in Haryana and beyond.

In summary, while Rahul Gandhi's intentions to enhance the Congress party's presence in Haryana are evident, the underlying issues within the party persist. The coming weeks will determine whether the Haryana Vijay Sankalp Yatra will bear fruit for Congress in the upcoming elections.