"Should Never Be Doubt...": Congress' Kumari Selja On Joining BJP Rumours

A senior Dalit leader - who has twice served as a union minister - Kumari Selja was seen by many as a contender for the Chief Minister's post, if the Congress were to win next month's election.

Congress MP Kumari Selja set the record straight Monday amid rumours she is sulking and has opted to not campaign ahead of the Haryana election - because she was denied permission to contest - telling NDTV "there should never be any doubts" about her commitment to the party and state.

Ms Selja called herself a "loyal worker...good soldier" and confirmed she will hit the campaign trail starting this week, telling NDTV, "It was never intended I shall remain absent (from the campaign) throughout. I will campaign... because I am a party solider. I've always said I am a good soldier."

She did, however, acknowledge "there are issues... serious issues" that need to be resolved. She did not provide specifics but said the Congress senior leadership "is working on" the problems.