Congress expands monitoring committee to oversee Haryana’s SIR exercise; Hooda flays BJP

Days after the announcement of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Haryana, the Congress has expanded its ‘Action and Monitoring Committee’ to oversee what it described as a fair, transparent and seamless revision process across the State.

Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh on Saturday (May 16, 2026) said around a dozen senior leaders had been added to the committee, apart from the existing members. The party would ensure transparency in the revision of electoral rolls and maintain vigilant oversight throughout the process, he said.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the Congress would not allow the wrongful deletion of any legitimate vote or the retention of any invalid vote.

“We have constituted a high-level committee comprising senior party leaders to oversee this process. Through this committee, strict vigil will be maintained over the entire revision exercise,” Mr. Hooda told reporters.

Targeting the BJP government, Mr. Hooda alleged that the country and the State were being run through “misguided policies”.

“The Central government refrained from increasing fuel prices while Assembly elections were underway in several States. However, the moment the elections concluded, prices were hiked. While inflation continues to rise, there has been no significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. Fertilisers, seeds and diesel are becoming increasingly expensive,” he said.

Citing National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Mr. Hooda claimed that, on average, nine people die by suicide every day in Haryana.

“The primary reasons are rising unemployment among the youth and a growing sense of hopelessness regarding the government,” he alleged.

Mr. Hooda further claimed that Haryana, which ranked first in investment and per capita income during the Congress regime, had fallen behind under the BJP government.

“Law and order have completely collapsed. Contract killings are taking place and Haryana currently ranks first in organised crime,” he alleged.

Responding to remarks by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Mr. Hooda said it was Mr. Khattar who should consider retiring from politics.

“During his tenure, Haryana was completely ruined. When the history of this period is written, it will be recorded that Haryana, once the leading State in terms of development, suffered severe decline during Manohar Lal’s tenure,” he said.