Bhupinder Singh Hooda, veteran Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister, is leading from the Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat against the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate Manju Hooda, early trends in the Haryana Assembly elections showed on Tuesday, 8 October. Hooda, a prominent figure in Haryana politics, has long been a critical player for the Congress, and his potential win marks a significant moment for the party in the state.
Hooda served as Haryana’s chief minister from 2004 to 2014, marking a decade of political dominance. In 2009, Hooda made history by securing a second consecutive term, leading the Congress to victory, a feat not achieved since 1972. His leadership during that period is credited with various development initiatives, which helped solidify his position as a formidable political force.
A professional lawyer, Bhupinder Singh Hooda began his political journey through the Youth Congress. He later rose through the ranks to represent the Rohtak Lok Sabha constituency, where he served as a Member of Parliament for four consecutive terms from 1991, 1996, 1998, and 2004. Before becoming chief minister, Hooda was the Leader of the Opposition in the Haryana Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2004, demonstrating his long-standing influence in the state’s politics.
With the Haryana Assembly elections underway, Hooda’s leadership remains pivotal for Congress, primarily as the party seeks to challenge the ruling BJP. His experience, coupled with his connection to the electorate, may prove instrumental in shaping the political landscape of Haryana once again.
