In the upcoming assembly elections for the Garhi Sampla-Kiloi seat in Haryana’s Rohtak, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has chosen Manju Hooda as its candidate against the seasoned politician Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the former Chief Minister of Haryana. This electoral contest is drawing heightened interest, not just due to the stature of the incumbent but also due to Manju Hooda’s unique background and political novice status.
Manju Hooda, despite her relatively recent entry into politics with only a municipal election win under her belt, is determined to leverage her developmental work in Rohtak. Over the last few years, she has focused on tangible developments, such as the installation of sanitary pad vending machines around the city, reflecting her blend of traditional values and modern outlook. Additionally, her efforts have earned her the chairperson position at Rohtak Zila Parishad.
Her personal life brings additional layers to her public persona; she is married to Rajesh Hooda, a man previously known for his criminal activities, though he has reportedly been inactive in crime for the last decade. Her father, the late Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradeep Yadav, adds a contrasting backdrop of law enforcement to her family narrative.
Apart from her political and familial engagements, Manju is known for her philanthropic attitude towards animals, regularly feeding stray dogs and advocating against animal cruelty—a testament to her compassionate character. Moreover, she resonates with popular culture, being an admirer of Big Boss 13 star Shehnaz Gill and social media influencer Karishma, reflecting her connection with contemporary social trends.
Despite her efforts and the strategic support from the BJP, who see her dual appeal to the OBC and Jat communities as beneficial, Manju Hooda faces a stiff challenge against Bhupinder Singh Hooda, a four-time MLA with a robust electoral history. Her candidacy has already faced opposition from within Rohtak Zila Parishad, where a no-confidence motion was initiated against her leadership. However, she remains undeterred, emphasizing her commitment to development and ethical campaigning, devoid of personal attacks.
As the election approaches, the political dynamics of Rohtak are set to be a focal point, with Manju Hooda positioning herself as a fresh face with a developmental agenda, seeking to make a significant impact against a political veteran.
