Haryana’s Ten-Year Journey: Tackling the Legacy of Exclusion and Driving Progress

Over the last decade, Haryana has witnessed a remarkable transformation, overcoming its past marred by systemic issues. There was a time, particularly during Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s rule under the Congress regime, when the state gained infamy for rampant inequality and bias. During Hooda’s tenure, accusations arose of the government favoring a single community, leading to widespread discrimination against others.

Back then, securing government job was often based on bribery rather than merit, as reported in the media time and again. The infamous practice of ‘kharchi-parchi’ (bribery and favoritism) was deeply embedded in the administration. This culture led to a monopoly of power, where one community dominated the system, leaving others marginalized and devoid of opportunities for representation or growth.

The administration and law enforcement were seen to be under the sway of this privileged community. They were granted such unchecked influence that even serious crimes committed by them went unreported and unpunished. This created a climate of lawlessness, where other communities lived in fear, powerless against the prevailing bias.

As a result, marginalized communities were driven into poverty and despair, bearing the brunt of the unequal governance. Discrimination was rampant, and the hope for justice seemed out of reach. The plight of women was especially dire, as the oppressive environment outside forced them to remain confined to their homes, devoid of security and opportunity.

The oppressive conditions fostered a sense of constant fear among the women of Haryana. Daughters and sisters were compelled to stay indoors due to the violent and discriminatory atmosphere. Without a sense of security, the prospect of freedom or equality remained distant for them.

During this period, the Hooda government was widely criticized for catering solely to one community, effectively sidelining others. This created an environment where the privileged few could make any demands, and the rest were forced to comply, stifled by fear.

Systemic Exclusion and Marginalization

Marginalized communities faced systemic exclusion from the governance framework. Jobs and opportunities were already pre-decided in favor of the dominant community, leaving little room for others. This institutionalized bias exacerbated poverty and left these communities more vulnerable than ever.

The entire administration seemed controlled by this privileged group, with no one in power advocating for the marginalized. Fear and helplessness prevailed, further isolating these communities from the benefits of governance and development.

Widespread Lawlessness and a Culture of Fear

One of the most alarming aspects of this era was the impunity with which the privileged community acted. Crimes committed by members of this group went unregistered, with no legal action taken against them. This lawlessness only emboldened their behavior, deepening the climate of fear for others.

This atmosphere of unchecked power and lawlessness left marginalized communities with no recourse to justice or protection. The overwhelming sense of helplessness became a daily reality for those left outside the privileged circle.

The living conditions for the daughters of Haryana became unbearable during this period of fear and violence. Women were forced into seclusion, robbed of the freedom to pursue education, work, or even a sense of personal safety. The lack of security stripped away any possibility of equal opportunities.

Under Hooda’s leadership, governance was accused of focusing solely on the interests of one community. This led to what many referred to as ‘goonda raj’ (hooligan rule), where the privileged could act without consequence. They had the power to make unreasonable demands, and others had no choice but to comply, creating a fractured society.

This atmosphere of unchecked power and oppression not only destroyed social harmony but also left marginalized communities without any avenue for progress. The dominance of one group over the rest systematically eroded the social fabric during this period under Congress rule.