Bhupinder Hooda confident of Congress win in Rajya Sabha polls in Haryana
The Hindu
Bhupinder Hooda expresses confidence in Congress winning Haryana's Rajya Sabha polls, criticising CM Saini's governance and cross-voting fears.
A day ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections on March 16, 2026, in Haryana, former Chief Minister and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday (March 15, 2026) expressed confidence in Congress’s Rajya Sabha candidate winning in Haryana, while taking a jab at Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, calling him a “CM on deputation” for his frequent visits to Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections there.
Talking exclusively to The Hindu in Chandigarh, Mr. Hooda dismissed concerns surrounding cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha election, saying, “all the 37 MLAs are united and will vote for the Congress candidate”.
Also Read | Haryana Rajya Sabha polls: Congress MLAs reach Himachal Pradesh to prevent cross-voting
On the Congress MLAs staying in hotels in Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, he said “They have gone there of their own free will and shall come back on March 16 to cast the vote.”
The ruling BJP has 48 MLAs, Congress has 37, the Indian National Lok Dal has two MLAs and three legislators are Independents in the 90-member Haryana Assembly, with 31 votes each required for two candidates to make it to the Rajya Sabha from Haryana.
“We have the numerical strength, our flock is together and we are confident of winning our seat,” he said, even as he took a dig at the Indian National Lok Dal, terming the INLD as “B-team of the BJP”. “Why is INLD not revealing who it would vote for?” he quipped.
Tamil Nadu grants Nadigar Sangam leaders extended tenure until 2028, exempting them from mandatory elections, Madras High Court confirms.
The Environment Ministry supports a 10-member expert committee to define the Aravalli hills, emphasizing thorough analysis and stakeholder consultation.
Delhi experiences light rain on March 15, 2026, offering relief from dry weather and a yellow alert for thunderstorms.
Stalin blames BJP's wrong decisions for LPG cylinder shortages, urging the Union government to address the crisis promptly.
Actor Motaz Malhees will miss the 2026 Oscars due to Trump's travel ban on Palestinians despite his film's nomination.
Burglary at Kowdiar Palace results in theft of ₹2 crore worth of antique jewellery, prompting police investigation.
Both McLaren drivers, Norris and Piastri, fail to start the Chinese Grand Prix due to car issues.
Jayanthi Kumaresh will receive the Sangita Kalanidhi award at Music Academy's 100th Conference and Concerts in Chennai.
Shivamogga inaugurates an open-air theatre named after P. Lankesh, promoting cultural education and local artistic talent.
A man in West Godavari received a life sentence for fatally stabbing his mother while intoxicated.
Kengeri police have filed charges against a shopkeeper for illegally hoarding and selling LPG cylinders on the black market.
Three arrests made in Osman Hadi murder case as West Bengal police apprehend additional suspect aiding the killers.
Mahua Moitra accuses BJP of 'Jungle Raj' in West Bengal after vandalism at Minister Shashi Panja's home.