Cong meets guv, pushes for BJP govt’s dismissal
CHIEF MINISTER NAYAB SINGH SAINI HAS EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE, SAYING THERE WAS NO DANGER TO THE GOVERNMENT. HE SAID THAT HE HAD THE NUMBERS AND WAS READY FOR THE FLOOR TEST, IF REQUIRED
CHANDIGARH: The Congress on Friday submitted a memorandum to Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya seeking the dismissal of the Bharatiya Janata Party government and alleging that the ruling party had been reduced to a minority in the assembly after three independent legislators withdrew support earlier this week.
The memorandum, signed by Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, was delivered at Haryana Raj Bhavan by deputy CLP leader, Aftab Ahmed, and chief whip Bharat Bhushan Batra on Friday afternoon. Since the Governor was away to Telangana, the Congress leaders submitted the memorandum to the Governor’s office.
“It is crystal clear that the number of MLAs opposing the BJP government was 45 as against 43 MLAs supporting the government. This shows that the government has lost the confidence of the majority of the MLAs in the present House,’’ said Ahmed and Batra after visiting the Raj Bhavan.
The latest chapter of the crisis that sparked off in March, when the Jannayak Janata Party first withdrew support from the BJP, began on Tuesday after three independent lawmakers — Randhir Golan from Pundri, Dharmpal Gonder from Nilokheri and Sombir Singh Sangwan from Dadri — said they had decided to back Hooda of the Congress and written to Dattatreya pulling their support from the Saini government.
Assembly elections are scheduled in the state in October-November this year. All 10 Lok Sabha seats in the state go to the polls on May 25. In the 90-member assembly, two seats are vacant, of which Karnal is going for by-elections on May 25.
The BJP has 40 members, and has the support of two independents — Nayan Pal Rawat from Prithla and Rakesh Daulatabad from Badshahpur — and Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party. That takes it to 43, two short
Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda addresses a press conference, in Bhiwani. of the majority mark of 45 in the assembly that currently has a strength of 88. The Congress has 30 lawmakers, the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has 10, and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) has one. In addition, one independent legislator — Balraj Kundu from Meham — has not made his position clear. If they all oppose the government, there will be 45 votes against the state government. To be sure, signs of dissension have emerged in the JJP.
Ahmed and Batra said that after three independent lawmakers backed out, the number of the opposition MLAs was 45 in the 88-member House. Kundu on Friday wrote to the governor saying the Nayab Saini government had lost its majority in the House, therefore, the governor should summon the House for a floor test.
“If the present government fails to prove its confidence, the governor may impose President’s rule,’’ the Independent MLA from Meham wrote. INLD lawmaker Abhay Chautala also wrote to the governor on Thursday, seeking President’s Rule.
“In view of the facts placed before you, you are requested to exercise your constitutional authority to dismiss the minority government immediately and order fresh elections under the President’s rule and uphold the democratic values,’’ said the Congress memorandum.
The party said that ideally the chief minister should resign on moral grounds. “But this government is unabashedly seeking shelter under sheer technicalities or unconstitutionalities by claiming that they have the majority,’’ the memorandum added.
“If the excellency does not dismiss the minority government immediately, Vidhan Sabha should be convened. The chief minister be directed to seek vote of confidence on the floor of the house. Affording an opportunity to this minority government to gather support through illegal and democratic methods will put the technicalities above the spirit of the democratic principles. Your prompt protection in this matter, will restore the faith of the people in our democratic system and enhance the dignity of your high office,’’ the memorandum added.
JJP leader and former deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala had, on May 8, also written to the governor that it was evident that the incumbent government no longer commanded a majority in the legislative assembly.
Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini has expressed confidence, saying there was no danger to the government. He said that he had the numbers and was ready for the floor test, if required.
In reply to a question, Batra said that Congress would seek a fresh mandate from the people than forming a jod-tod ki sarkaar. Party leader said that the Congress was opposed to forming the government with the support of the JJP, which they say is facing widespread protests from farmers.