Deepender Singh Hooda has long been seen as a calm and decent politician in Haryana. After losing the 2019 Lok Sabha election, he changed his approach and came back stronger in 2024. But since winning, he has slipped back into his old habits – the same ones that cost Congress the state assembly election.
What Went Wrong in 2019?
When Hooda lost the Rohtak seat in 2019, it wasn’t just a regular defeat. It hurt the entire Hooda family’s political reputation. People noticed that his campaign was run by a small group of powerful men rather than ordinary workers and voters on the ground.
BJP’s Arvind Sharma took advantage of this disconnect and beat Hooda unexpectedly. That loss was a wake-up call – it showed that family name and traditional support alone are not enough to win elections.
What He Did Right in 2024
In 2024, Hooda showed up as a completely different politician. He:
- Kept away from the influential insiders who had surrounded him before
- Visited villages and connected with everyday people
- Valued grassroots workers instead of just relying on powerful allies
- Reached beyond Jat voters to talk to youth, non-Jat communities, government workers, and city residents
- Stayed humble and approachable throughout the campaign
This fresh approach worked. He defeated Arvind Sharma by a large margin in Rohtak.
So What’s the Problem Now?
Winning is the easy part. Staying grounded after the win is much harder – and this is where Hooda is struggling.
Follow TJP Whatsapp ChannelAfter the victory, the same old problems have crept back in. He began making boastful and aggressive statements, which pushed voters away from Congress and cost them the Haryana assembly election.
People in Rohtak are now noticing the same old “VIP culture” returning – where only a select few can get close to the leader. The warmth and openness he showed during the campaign seems to be fading.
His father, former Chief Minister Bhupendra Singh Hooda, has always been criticized for favoring certain regions and castes. Now, people are beginning to see the same patterns in Deepender.
Could 2029 Be Difficult for Him?
Haryana’s voters change their minds quickly. Caste equations and family influence only go so far. What truly matters is:
- How the public feels
- Whether party workers stay motivated
If resentment keeps growing in Rohtak, and if the opposition successfully pushes the story that Hooda “went back to his old ways,” the 2029 election could be a serious challenge for him.
The Bottom Line
There is still plenty of time before 2029, and politics can change fast. But the big win in 2024 created very high expectations among voters. Living up to those expectations – and not slipping back into old habits – will be the biggest test of Deepender Hooda’s political career.
