Six-time former MLA and former minister Sampat Singh resigned from the Congress on Sunday, accusing senior party leaders in Haryana of sabotaging candidates during the 2024 Assembly elections. The 76-year-old leader emailed his resignation to national president Mallikarjun Kharge, alleging that loyalists were fielded as Independents to ensure defeat of official Congress candidates. Singh claimed that capable candidates were ignored while those with money and power received tickets. He also mentioned that several senior leaders were forced to leave the Haryana Congress over the past two decades. The Congress had denied Singh a ticket for the 2024 elections from Adampur or Nalwa constituencies in Hisar district. He had previously joined the BJP in 2019 after being denied a ticket, then returned to Congress in August 2022. Singh was with the INLD before joining Congress in 2009. Haryana Congress spokesperson Kewal Dhingra downplayed the resignation, calling it a personal choice, while denying the accusations levelled by Singh.
Allegations Against Party Leadership
In his resignation letter, Sampat Singh accused the Haryana Congress leadership of deliberately undermining party candidates during the 2024 Assembly elections. He alleged that close aides of state leadership were fielded as Independent candidates to ensure the defeat of official Congress nominees. Singh claimed this strategy altered election narratives in multiple constituencies. He further stated that capable candidates were ignored while party tickets were given to those with money and influence. Singh also criticized the sidelining of Kumari Selja, a six-term MP and prominent Dalit leader, which he said led to a Dalit boycott of Congress. He mentioned that despite predictions favoring a Congress victory, the party lost due to internal decay and mismanagement by state leaders prioritizing personal interests over party goals.
Political Journey and Ticket Denial
Sampat Singh's political career includes six terms as MLA and stints with multiple parties. Before joining Congress in 2009, he was with the INLD and considered close to former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal. After winning from Nalwa constituency on a Congress ticket in 2009, Singh was denied a Cabinet position despite his contributions. The Congress denied him a ticket for the 2019 elections, leading him to join the BJP. He returned to Congress in August 2022 but was again denied a ticket from Adampur or Nalwa constituencies for the 2024 elections. In September, Singh attended an INLD rally, fueling speculation about rejoining that party. He expressed relief after resigning, stating he would decide his next political move later.
Source: Link