The political landscape in Haryana has witnessed a significant upheaval as the newly appointed Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, faces a crucial floor test in the state assembly. This follows the unexpected resignation of Manohar Lal Khattar, bringing an end to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).
The special session of the Haryana assembly convened on Wednesday to ascertain the majority of the new BJP government led by Nayab Singh Saini. Saini, who assumed office as Chief Minister on Tuesday in the wake of Khattar’s surprise resignation, has submitted a letter of support from 48 MLAs to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.
The political rift between the BJP and the JJP, headed by Dushyant Chautala, became apparent due to disagreements over seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. As the Haryana political landscape undergoes dynamic changes, the latest developments are crucial to understanding the state’s political future.
In a strategic move, the JJP issued a whip to 10 of its MLAs, instructing them to abstain from voting during the floor test. Despite this directive, two JJP MLAs defied the whip and attended the state assembly session, as reported by India Today TV.
The BJP holds 41 seats in the 90-member state assembly and enjoys the backing of six independents, along with support from Gopal Kanda, the sole MLA of the Haryana Lokhit Party. In contrast, the JJP commands 10 MLAs. The Congress, the main opposition, has 30 MLAs, while the Indian National Lok Dal has one.
A legislative party meeting was convened by the BJP at 10 am before the special assembly session, with Khattar and other BJP MLAs in attendance. Notably, Anil Vij, a six-term MLA from Ambala Cantt and former home minister, was absent from the new Cabinet, raising speculation about his role in the upcoming political landscape.
During the oath-taking ceremony, Nayab Singh Saini, a 54-year-old OBC leader and Haryana’s BJP chief, was sworn in as Chief Minister by Governor Dattatreya. Additionally, five MLAs, including four from the BJP and one independent, were sworn in as ministers.
Amidst the political developments, Khattar hinted at his potential candidacy in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, with speculations suggesting a possible contest from the Karnal Lok Sabha seat.
The JJP, in response to the changing political dynamics, announced its intention to contest all 10 Lok Sabha seats and 90 assembly constituencies in Haryana. The future of the BJP-JJP alliance remains uncertain, pending an official statement from the JJP.
These political shifts come in the wake of the 2019 post-poll alliance between the BJP and the JJP, formed after the BJP fell short of a majority, winning 40 seats. The JJP’s 10 seats facilitated the formation of a coalition government in Haryana. With assembly polls looming later this year, the political landscape in Haryana is poised for further transformations.
In response to the sudden developments, Dushyant Chautala’s uncle and lone Indian National Lok Dal MLA, Abhay Chautala, took a dig at his nephew, stating, “A tower built on the foundation of betrayal is bound to be destroyed.”
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda asserted that the BJP and JJP had conceded defeat even before the elections by breaking the alliance and changing the chief minister. Hooda called for early assembly polls and advocated for President’s Rule in the state. As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on the unfolding events shaping Haryana’s political future.
