Sulking Hooda Stumps Cong, Seeks Surejwala’s Scalp For Backing Anti-Price Stir

The Congress announced it was putting off its anti-price rally due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation. “Mehangai Par Halla Bol” Rally at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi was rescheduled from Aug 28 to Sept 4. While growing Covid infection is the official reason, the real reason is Jat politics. The Congress leadership has been forced to drag its feet on the rally as Haryana leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda made it clear he will not support the rally as long as his bête noire Randeep Surjewala remains AICC General Secretary. Hooda has been upset ever since Surjewala got elected as Rajya Sabha MP from Rajasthan. Incidentally, Surjewala, once Hooda’s minister, is now a close Rahul aide. Hooda is one of the few mass leaders of the party and without his support Congress cannot hope to have any rally in Delhi. Only Hooda can mobilise crowds. Ideally, Hooda should not be sulking considering the entire state unit has been entrusted to him. Party sources say Surjewala, who is recuperating from health issues, could soon be relieved of his Karnataka charge. That is why when Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claims “The rally will send a powerful message to the insensitive Modi sarkar!” cynics in the Congress feel the rally would be called an anti-price rally no matter whenever it is held. That is even if the prices are going south.