Karnataka CM's Secretary Nasir Ahmed on Congress' Haryana Setback

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s political secretary, Nasir Ahmed, recently spoke about the Congress party’s disappointing results in Haryana, attributing the setback primarily to infighting among party members. In comments made to reporters in Kolar on Tuesday, Ahmed expressed his surprise at the unexpected outcomes, particularly in light of pre-poll surveys that had suggested a potential Congress victory.

Ahmed pointed out that divisions among senior leaders, including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Kumari Selja, and Randeep Surjewala, significantly contributed to the party’s defeat. He acknowledged that the party underestimated the anti-incumbency wave, which played a crucial role in shaping the election results.

In contrast to the situation in Haryana, Ahmed highlighted the unity among Congress leaders in Karnataka, which he credited for the party’s success in the state elections, where Congress secured 136 seats under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. He noted that the contrasting outcomes in the two states illustrate how internal cohesion can impact electoral performance.

Addressing speculation about possible changes in leadership within the Karnataka Congress, Ahmed firmly stated that Siddaramaiah will remain Chief Minister for the entirety of his five-year term. This assertion aims to quell any unrest or uncertainty within the party following the Haryana elections.

On the topic of the caste census, Ahmed clarified that the exercise, which has a budget of ₹136 crore, is intended to ensure justice for marginalized communities. He stressed that the census is not driven by political motives but aims to address existing disparities among various social groups.

The Chief Minister announced that the caste census report is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet on August 18, highlighting the government’s commitment to this initiative.

Nasir Ahmed’s insights shed light on the challenges facing the Congress party in Haryana and the importance of unity among leaders for electoral success. As Karnataka prepares for future political endeavours, the government’s focus on social equity through the caste census demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the needs of its diverse population.