After the Congress failing to register the expected results in the Assembly elections, everyone was certain a few heads would roll in the Hooda team. However, a fortnight after he himself took over the reins of the state, Hooda on Sunday retained every single member of his team of officers. Even the contenders for the post of principal secretary, vacated by his close aide Murari Lal Tayal, were in for a disappointment as Hooda preferred to appoint Chhatar Singh, a member of his previous team of officers, rather than bring in a fresh face. For those looking to blame his officers for the debacle, Hooda’s message is loud and clear.

Charity begins at Home

Gopal Kanda, owner of MDLR Airlines was denied a ticket by Om Prakash Chautala-led Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) from Chautala’s home town Sirsa. However, this failed to deter him and Kanda won the election as an Independent. The Congress, which needed all seven Independents to form the government, was forced to give in to his terms. Kanda dug in his heels for the Home portfolio and Hooda was forced to attach Kanda with himself for the Home portfolio. The state government’s intelligence wing conveniently failed to caution the government about Kanda being accused in three cases, including one disproportionate assets case and another under the Negotiable Instruments Act (cheque bounce) case.

The Congress backroom boys

As Congress’s dreams of a clean sweep in Haryana were belied by the election result, it was time for the power brokers to swing into action. Hooda brought in his Man Friday and former Minister Venod Sharma and former Delhi MP Sajjan Kumar to clinch the required numbers. Within a few hours of the announcement of the result, both had managed to procure letters of support from all seven Independents. The Independents partook of Venod’s hospitality till Hooda won the vote of confidence in the Vidhan Sabha. While Sajjan Kumar sat in the visitors gallery as Hooda moved the Vote of confidence resolution, Venod kept guard within the Assembly hall precincts. Both came out beaming and made a victory sign after Hooda won the vote even as the INLD watched the play of events.

... contd.