NEW DELHI: The Congress leadership got back to their senses as they assessed not to blame the voting machine alone for the unexpected setback in Haryana. A fact-finding committee will be formed to study the failure.
At a high-level meeting held on Thursday at Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's residence to assess the election results, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the leaders of Haryana. Rahul Gandhi intervened when leaders started blaming the EVMs. Rahul blamed the in-party fighting that gave away a conducive terrain of Haryana. There are indications that an angry Rahul walked out of the meeting.
The rebels and the group infighting within the party destroyed the chances of 12 seats in Haryana, a group reported. Concerns related to EVMs were also discussed. Rahul has asked the leaders for a detailed report on what happened on the voting day.
Despite warnings from the high command, it is reported that senior congress leaders indulged in sectarian activities in Haryana. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's animosity with Kumari Selja hampered the election prospects. Hooda, Kumari Selja and Randeep Singh Surjewala did not attend the meeting. It is indicated that the three were not invited. Organization General Secretary K C Venugopal, Treasurer Ajay Maken and observer former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot took part in the discussion.