The Congress party has released its third and fourth lists of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, declaring 45 candidates more candidates.
The third list, released late Wednesday night, included 40 candidates and featured Aditya Surjewala, son of party MP Randeep Surjewala, who will contest from Kaithal.
A few hours later, early on Thursday, the party announced a fourth list of five candidates, naming Parimal Pari for Ambala Cantt, Sachin Kundu for Panipat Rural, Satbir Dublain for Narwana (SC), Sarva Mitra Kamboj for Rania, and Rohit Nagar for Tigaon. With these additions, the Congress has announced a total of 86 candidates so far for the upcoming Haryana election.
The party has yet to declare candidates for four constituencies, raising speculation about a potential last-minute alliance. The Congress has been engaged in seat-sharing negotiations with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the Haryana polls, though discussions have reportedly stalled. Meanwhile, the AAP has released its own lists of candidates.
Several Congress leaders have voiced concerns about a tie-up with the AAP, led by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Thursday marks the final day for filing nominations.
Eariler on Friday, the Congress named 32 more candidates, including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda from Garhi Sampla-Kiloi, state unit chief Udai Bhan from Hodal, and wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Julana. An earlier list of 31 candidates was released, followed by an announcement that the party’s Central Election Committee had approved Balbir Singh for the Israna (SC) seat.
The Congress declared nine more candidates on Sunday, retaining all 28 of its sitting MLAs. Along with Hooda, Bhan, and Phogat, the party has fielded Mewa Singh from Ladwa to challenge Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
The Haryana Assembly elections are scheduled for October 5, with vote counting set to take place on October 8.