Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Monday launched a sharp attack on the BJP government, alleging financial mismanagement and demanding a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into the alleged irregularities linked to the Ram Temple. He also accused the ruling party of burdening Haryana with an unprecedented debt and failing to safeguard the interests of the state’s youth and farmers.
Addressing a press conference in Rohtak, Hooda claimed that successive Congress governments from 1966 to 2014 had left Haryana with a debt of around ₹70,000 crore, whereas the state’s outstanding liabilities had risen to nearly ₹5.5 lakh crore during the BJP’s tenure over the past 12 years. He alleged that a major portion of the loans raised by the government was being used to service interest payments rather than for development.
Hooda further alleged irregularities in procurement and financial management, claiming that paddy procurement, missing wheat stocks and banking-related issues reflected what he described as the BJP government’s flawed policies and intent. He said such developments had raised serious questions over governance in the state.
Referring to the controversy surrounding the Ram Temple, Hooda alleged that the issue had deeply hurt the sentiments of millions of devotees. Citing recent public remarks made by individuals associated with the temple administration and the RSS, he claimed the matter warranted an impartial probe under the supervision of a sitting Supreme Court judge. He said accountability should be fixed irrespective of the status of those involved and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the issue.
The former Chief Minister also questioned what he described as the BJP’s attempt to claim exclusive ownership over Lord Ram. He said Lord Ram belongs to everyone and asserted that the Congress had never opposed the construction of the Ram Temple. According to Hooda, if there were no irregularities, there would be no need for repeated clarifications from those concerned.
On the issue of inter-state water sharing, Hooda said Haryana should first secure its rightful share of water from Punjab before discussing arrangements to supply water to Rajasthan through pipelines. He maintained that Haryana’s own entitlement should remain the government’s priority.
Hooda also accused the BJP government of betraying residents of Chaint village, alleging that promises made to them had not been fulfilled. He questioned why certain decisions were reversed and why those responsible had not yet been identified, alleging that the issue was being politicised.
Expressing concern over ethanol-blended fuel, Hooda claimed that he had received complaints from farmers and vehicle owners alleging engine-related problems after its use. He said such issues, if left unaddressed, could affect vehicle performance and agricultural operations.
Commenting on land acquisition, Hooda said the policy framed during the Congress government had not faced significant opposition, while alleging that the present government lacked the intent to implement policies effectively. He reiterated that the Congress would continue to raise issues concerning farmers, youth and the state’s overall development.