Nayab Singh Saini, the newly appointed Chief Minister of Harayna won the crucial floor test at the State Assembly on March 13. The victory comes on the heels of the unexpected resignation of former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and the subsequent dissolution of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP).
The political landscape in Haryana underwent a rapid transformation as Nayab Saini assumed office following Khattar’s resignation on March 12. Saini swiftly garnered support in the assembly, culminating in a successful floor test to affirm the majority of the new BJP government. The political manoeuvring came just a day after Khattar stepped down, marking the end of the BJP’s alliance with the JJP.
#WATCH | CM Nayab Singh Saini-led Haryana Government wins the Floor Test in the State Assembly. pic.twitter.com/0D78XmtbqQ
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2024
The JJP, led by Dushyant Chautala, attempted to wield influence over the proceedings by issuing a whip to 10 MLAs, instructing them to abstain from voting during the floor test. Despite the directive, four JJP MLAs defied the party’s stance and participated in the assembly session. However, later, the four JJP MLAs, along with an Independent MLA, exited the House.
With 41 members in the 90-member state assembly, the BJP, with additional support from independents and Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda, managed to secure the majority needed for the floor test. Meanwhile, the JJP, holding 10 seats, played a pivotal role in the recent political upheaval. The Congress, with 30 MLAs, stands as the main opposition, while the Indian National Lok Dal has one seat.
The BJP, in a legislative party meeting held before the special assembly session, formulated its strategy for the floor test. Khattar and other BJP MLAs participated in the crucial meeting, indicating the party’s commitment to navigating the evolving political landscape.
In an unexpected turn, former home minister and six-term MLA from Ambala Cantt, Anil Vij, did not find a place in the new Cabinet and was notably absent from Saini’s oath-taking ceremony. Khattar downplayed Vij’s absence, citing his propensity to become upset easily but returning to normal later.
The new Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, took the oath of office in a ceremony attended by Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. Additionally, five MLAs, four from the BJP and one independent, were sworn in as ministers, marking the establishment of the new government.
As the political scenario continues to unfold, speculation arises about Manohar Lal Khattar’s potential candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, the JJP has declared its intention to contest all 10 Lok Sabha seats and 90 assembly constituencies in Haryana, leaving the future of its alliance with the BJP uncertain.
