As Haryana gears up for the 2024 Assembly elections, with voting set for October 5 and counting on October 8, the political landscape is heating up. The BJP, having governed the state for ten years, is aiming for a third consecutive win. However, for the Congress party, one major obstacle stands in its way: the legacy of land scams from its previous tenure under Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Widespread Land Scams Under Congress Rule:
The Congress-led administration was marred by several land scams that cast doubt on the fairness and transparency of its governance. These scandals, which often benefited powerful individuals and corporations at the expense of the poor and marginalized, continue to tarnish the party’s image as it prepares for the elections.
Key Land Scams Under Congress Tenure:
IMT Manesar Scam
Reliance Industries Land Deal
Gurgaon Amusement Park Scam
Wazirabad Land Sale to DLF
Skylight Hospitality Scam
Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust Land Scam
Rohtak Land Scam
Ullahawas Land Scam
Kurukshetra 326 Kanal Land Scam
Panchkula Industrial Plot Allotment Scam
Drain Scam
Sale of 23,413 Acres of Land
Exploitation of Land and Resources:
One of the most infamous scandals was the IMT Manesar scam, involving the questionable acquisition of 912 acres of land. This was just one of many instances where properties belonging to poor farmers and marginalized communities were seized under the guise of public development, only to be transferred to influential individuals or corporations.
Irregularities in Land Allocations:
A notable example of the misuse of power during the Congress era was the wrongful allocation of 129 residential plots, originally intended for Scheduled Castes, to a single family. Such instances of corruption further marginalized vulnerable communities and created deep resentment.
Reliance Industries and DLF Deals:
The Reliance Industries scandal saw the sale of 25,000 acres of land in the Jhajjar-Gurgaon area at prices far below market value. Additionally, the sale of land to DLF in Wazirabad and other shady land deals raised concerns about the Congress government’s close ties to corporate interests.
Jobs and Favoritism:
In addition to the land scandals, Congress also faced criticism for its “kharchi-parchi” system, where job opportunities were awarded to the highest bidders. This bias further alienated communities that were already marginalized, intensifying frustrations over unequal treatment.
As Haryana’s 2024 elections approach, these lingering issues from the Congress regime continue to challenge the party’s bid for power.
