A Government of Crime, Inflation, Unemployment, Paper Leaks, and Scams Running the State: Former CM Hooda

Rohtak/Chandigarh, May 16, 2026: Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that a government of crime, inflation, unemployment, paper leaks, and scams is currently running both the country and the state. 
Responding to media queries regarding the hike in petrol and diesel prices at his residence, he remarked that the common man is bearing the brunt of all-encompassing inflation. “The Central Government refrained from raising fuel rates while assembly elections were underway in several states across the country. However, the moment the elections concluded, prices were hiked. Preparations are now underway for further increases in the future,” he said.
“The Prime Minister's statements advocating for the conservation of petrol and diesel signal that even steeper price hikes may be imminent. While tensions persist between the US and Iran, the government is simultaneously concealing several key facts from the public. It ought to disclose the truth. On one hand, the government asserts that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel; if so, why have prices been raised,” he questioned. 
“Over the past 11 years, the Central Government has raked in hundreds of thousands of crores of Rupees from petrol and diesel sales. The Prime Minister preaches the message of conservation, yet the public deserves to know exactly how many aircraft were deployed for the swearing-in ceremonies of the new BJP Chief Ministers in Assam and West Bengal,” he added.
Hooda said that while inflation continues to spiral upwards on one hand, on the other, there has been no significant increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. “Fertilizers, seeds, and diesel are becoming increasingly expensive, while the MSP is being raised only marginally. Scams involving the procurement of paddy and wheat are rampant during the harvest season. While junior officials are suspended or dismissed, the "big players" are shielded and protected through government patronage. Similarly, influential figures are being shielded in banking scams as well,” he said.
“The BJP government first subjects farmers to harassment under the guise of the "Meri Fasal Mera Byora" scheme. Furthermore, farmers are compelled to undergo verification by Patwaris, as well as photo and biometric authentication procedures. Despite this, farmers do not receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and scams continue unabated,” he added.
Hooda also raised the issue of illegal colonies being developed under government patronage. Furthermore, citing the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), he pointed out that, on average, nine people are committing suicide every day in Haryana. The primary reasons for this are rising unemployment among the youth and a sense of hopelessness regarding the government.
“During the Congress regime, Haryana ranked number one in terms of investment and per capita income; however, under BJP rule, the state has fallen behind. Law and order have completely collapsed. Contract killings are being carried out for as little as ₹20,000. Haryana currently ranks first in organized crime,” he pointed out. 
He said that the BJP is awarding jobs in high-ranking positions within Haryana to people from other states, while the youth of Haryana are forced to look for employment elsewhere as part of a deliberate conspiracy. “Under this government, exam papers are constantly being leaked and recruitment processes are being cancelled, yet the government refuses to accept any accountability. The leakage of the NEET examination paper represents a complete failure of the entire system,” he said.
Hooda informed that they have submitted an appropriate response to the Speaker's notice regarding the holding of a "parallel session" outside the Legislative Assembly. The Speaker had alleged that the session was held in the parking area; however, that specific space was designated for the media—not for parking. The Congress party maintains that there was absolutely no need for this session, given that the Women's Reservation Amendment Act had already been passed in 2023. According to the Constitution, a State Legislative Assembly cannot hold a discussion on a law that has already been enacted by the Parliament. 
Furthermore, this issue was not even mentioned during the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee. Media reports revealed that the BJP intended to move a censure motion regarding the Women's Reservation Bill; consequently, we decided to boycott the special session.
Responding to remarks made by former Chief Minister Manohar Lal, Hooda retorted that it was Manohar Lal himself who ought to heed the advice to retire from politics. “During his tenure, Haryana was completely ruined. When the history of this era is written, it will be recorded that Haryana, once the number one state in terms of development, was utterly devastated during Manohar Lal's tenure,” he said. 
Regarding the special intensive revision of the voter list, the Congress party has issued a clear warning to the government: we will not allow the wrongful deletion of anyone's legitimate vote, nor will we permit the retention of any invalid vote. “We have constituted a high-level committee, comprising senior party leaders, to oversee this process. Through this committee, a strict watch will be kept on the entire revision procedure,” he said. 
Speaking on the civic body elections, the Leader of the Opposition stated that the Congress party's performance in these polls has been noteworthy. “We contested the Municipal Corporation elections under the party symbol, whereas the elections for the Municipal Councils and Municipalities were not contested under the party symbol,” he said.
“The Congress party did not officially contest the elections for the Uklana and Sampla Municipalities; rather, local leaders contested them on their own initiative. In Sampla, the BJP secured only 34% of the votes, while the opposition collectively garnered 66%,” he pointed out.