Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja on Monday firmly reiterated her commitment to the Congress party, dismissing rumours that she might switch to the Bharatiya Janata Party. She emphasized her long-standing identity within the party, stating, "Everyone knows I am a Congressi."

Amid reports suggesting she was unhappy with ticket distribution for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Selja downplayed any internal discord, saying, "We will work together to form the government."

When asked about the BJP's attempts to bring her into their fold, particularly in light of her rumored dissatisfaction, the Congress general secretary responded, "The BJP seems more concerned about me. There are many things that circulate within the party, but we have worked hard for the party’s success, both in the Lok Sabha and on the ground, and we will continue to do so to form a Congress government."

Selja confirmed that she would begin her campaign for the polls in the next two to three days, addressing any rumors about her silence. "Since I was quiet, the BJP started speculating, but there’s no truth to it. They know it, and everyone knows Selja is a Congressi," she told PTI.

When questioned whether the perception of internal dissatisfaction could benefit the BJP, she responded confidently, "There is no such thing, and we will form the government together."

Her comments followed Congress general secretary Randeep Surjewala’s announcement that Selja would soon campaign for the party and address a public meeting in Narwana. The BJP has been using reports of internal strife within Congress, including Selja’s rumored discontent, to target the party.

At 61, Selja is a prominent Dalit face within Congress and currently serves as a general secretary. With Haryana set to go to the polls on October 5, the BJP has criticized Congress for allegedly sidelining Selja in the election campaign.

Union Minister and senior BJP leader Manohar Lal Khattar recently invited Selja to join the BJP, amid reports that she had distanced herself from the Congress campaign. Khattar, a former Haryana chief minister, also pointed to alleged infighting within the state Congress unit ahead of the elections.

Several BJP leaders have targeted Congress over its treatment of Selja, who last campaigned on September 11 for party candidates Shamsher Singh Gogi and Shalley Chaudhary. Her absence from a Congress event in Delhi, where the party announced its poll guarantees, further fueled the speculation.

PTI