‘It’s a straight fight between Congress and BJP’

ROHTAK: Former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda seems to be back in business following his appointment as the Congress Legislature Party leader and ouster of Ashok Tanwar. He spoke to Sunil Rahar after the announcement of assembly elections.

How have people responded to your recent tours?

People are upset with the Khattar government’s policies. They have made up their mind to uproot this regime.

What are issues dominating these elections?

The farmers are distressed, unemployment is at an alltime high and government employees are discontented.

How do you see this contest?

These elections would witness a straight fight between the ruling BJP and the Congress. The INLD and its offshoot Jannayak Janta Party are struggling for survival. Only the Congress can oust the BJP.

Do you think Modi’s charisma would work to BJP’S advantage?

I don’t think so. Parliamentary elections are fought on national issues, but local issues impact the assembly polls. The Khattar government would have to answer the public on why it failed to fulfil its 2014 promises.

What’s your take on accusations of instigating Jat stir?

The report of the Prakash Singh committee says it all. People know who instigated the agitators. Under the BJP rule, the state has been burnt thrice. Nearly 80 lives have been lost. We would act against the perpetrators of Jat quota violence if voted to power.

Who is party’s chief ministerial candidate this time?

The Congress declares the chief ministerial candidate only after getting a majority in the polls. The chief minister will be elected by the MLAS.

Will you accommodate leaders who switched sides to join Congress?

The tickets will be given on the basis of winnability quotient of aspirants.