Haryana poll show signs of Cong revival due to Ahmed Patel

New Delhi: The Congress’ impressive performance in Haryana Assembly polls is being seen as signs of its rejuvenation, started since old guards like Ahmed Patel regained control with Sonia Gandhi taking over the party’s affairs in August.
Patel is being credited for making former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda virtually the face of the party, which clearly helped it in the Assembly polls as it more than doubled its tally from 15 seats last time to 31 this time.
In Maharashtra too, Ashok Chavan was replaced with Balasaheb Thorat and Milind Deora was replaced with Eknath Gaekwad, besides which a smooth alliance with the NCP was ensured. As a result, the alliance showed an improved performance.
“The Congress could not get power in these two states but the game has begun,” said an insider of the party.
A secretive and a shrewd politician, Patel is Sonia Gandhi’s confidante who had been sidelined under the Presidentship of Rahul Gandhi since 2017 as younger leaders had greater say.
But with Sonia Gandhi being made the Interim President in August, Patel has bounced back and is planning strategies for the party as part of efforts to bring it on the path of recovery.