Bhupinder Singh Hooda Slams BJP Govt at Congress Training Camp, Alleges Betrayal of Haryana’s People

Former CM accuses ruling party of unfulfilled promises, rising debt, and systematic dismantling of state institutions; Rahul Gandhi to visit on Jan 21

Kurukshetra, January 18, 2026 — Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda launched a scathing attack on the BJP government while addressing Congress district presidents at an ongoing training camp in Kurukshetra on Saturday. Hooda spent the night in the city to personally oversee the training session and issue strategic directions for upcoming political challenges.

Speaking to district-level party leaders, Hooda outlined critical issues that need to be taken to the grassroots, including unemployment, organized crime, drug abuse, migration, farmer neglect, and the marginalization of poor and SC-OBC communities.

BJP’s Unfulfilled Promises

Hooda accused the BJP of failing to deliver on any of its promises while presiding over what he called a regime of scams and neglect. He highlighted that in 11 years of BJP rule, the state has not seen the establishment of a single new medical college, major industry, university, railway line, metro line, or IIT, nor has it attracted significant investment.

Most alarmingly, Hooda pointed to the dramatic increase in state debt from ₹60,000 crore accumulated between 1966 and 2014 to over ₹5 lakh crore in just 11 years under BJP governance.

“The BJP government has handed over jobs meant for Haryana’s youth to outsiders while systematically dismantling institutions and infrastructure built during the Congress tenure,” Hooda stated.

Farmers and Women Betrayed

The former Chief Minister criticized the government’s handling of farmer welfare, noting that despite promises to double farmers’ income by 2022, costs have multiplied instead. He also accused the BJP of deceiving women through the Ladli Lakshmi Yojana.

According to Hooda, while the BJP promised ₹2,100 monthly to all women during elections, the scheme now covers only a limited number. With approximately 2.13 crore people falling under the BPL category in 2024-25, around 85 lakh women should qualify, but the government plans to benefit only 8 lakh women with reduced amounts of ₹1,100 instead of the promised ₹2,100.

He alleged that stringent conditions regarding income limits, children’s education, and malnutrition are being deliberately imposed to exclude the majority of eligible women. The cancellation of BPL ration cards for about 70 lakh beneficiaries after elections, despite issuing cards to nearly one crore beneficiaries before polls, exemplifies this approach, Hooda claimed.

MGNREGA Rights Under Attack

Hooda condemned changes to MGNREGA implementation, calling them an attack on the rights of Dalits, backward classes, the poor, and panchayats. Despite over eight lakh registered MGNREGA workers in Haryana, only 2,100 families received 100 days of work during 2024-25.

“The government neither ensured employment for laborers nor paid unemployment compensation as mandated under the scheme,” he said, adding that the new budgetary arrangement between the Centre and state has created confusion and funding constraints.

Crime and Safety Concerns

Addressing the law and order situation, Hooda stated that organized crime has become part of daily life in Haryana, with more than 80 criminal gangs operating freely. He cited the central government’s own Social Progress Index, which identified Haryana as the most unsafe state in the country.

Media Freedom and Rahul Gandhi’s Visit

Responding to questions about the Punjab Kesari incident, Hooda expressed concern over the Punjab government’s attempts to intimidate the reputed media institution through government agencies. “The media is the fourth pillar of democracy, and any effort to suppress independent journalism is detrimental to the democratic system,” he emphasized.

In a significant announcement, Hooda revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Kurukshetra on January 21 to address party officials at the training camp.

The training camp continues to focus on preparing district presidents for the political battles ahead, with an emphasis on connecting with voters on issues of governance, development, and social justice.