As Union minister Amit Shah accused Congress of being an “anti-Dalit” party and claimed it had “insulted” Dalit leaders like Kumari Selja and Ashok Tanwar, Selja hit back, reaffirming her loyalty to Congress and dismissing the BJP’s attempts to capitalize on internal party discussions.
Shah, during a rally in Tohana ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly elections, said, “The Congress always insulted Dalit leaders, be it Ashok Tanwar or sister Kumari Selja.”
Reacting to Amit Shah’s comment, Selja said, “It’s election time, and hence they are doing this; otherwise, BJP has no soft corner for leaders of Congress. But these things have no meaning. Whatever I am today is because of Congress, and I have served it all my life.”
She further addressed the alleged infighting and her absence from the campaign trail, assuring, “I’ll join the campaign in 2-3 days and will form Congress government… We are in Congress, and we will work for the party. Congress will form the government, and we together will form that.”
Selja also dismissed rumors of discontent within the party, highlighting the hard work put in during the Lok Sabha elections and affirming that her efforts would continue. “There are a hundred discussions going on in the party, but they are within the party. To make the party win, we worked hard during the Lok Sabha polls, so as to strengthen the party on the ground and fight for the people of Haryana,” she said.
BJP leaders, including Haryana’s former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, have been publicly inviting Selja to join their ranks, attempting to fuel speculation of discord within Congress. Khattar, during a gathering in Gharaunda, hinted at the alleged infighting within Congress and even suggested that Selja could be brought into the BJP fold. “There is our Dalit sister—sitting at home… We are ready with an offer, and if she comes, we are ready to induct her,” Khattar said, underscoring BJP’s attempts to court the prominent Dalit leader.
Congress General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, however, was quick to dispel these speculations, confirming that Selja would be addressing a public meeting in Narwana on September 26, as part of her campaign for the Congress. “MP and elder sister Kumari Selja will also address a public meeting in Narwana on the 26th at 12 noon and will campaign for the Congress. Under the leadership of Shri Rahul Gandhi and Shri Kharge ji, Congress will fight, win, and make the dreams of Haryana come true,” Surjewala announced.
Despite BJP’s attempts to draw attention to her absence, Selja remains a key figure in the Congress campaign. Known for her strong support base in districts like Sirsa, Ambala, and Hisar, her reappearance on the campaign trail will be critical for the party’s success in the upcoming elections.
