Saini is new Haryana CM as BJP-JJP alliance splits
State BJP president takes over the mantle from Manohar Lal as ruling coalition crumbles over Lok Sabha seatsharing differences; Saini claims his govt. has the support of 48 MLAs in the Assembly
aryana State BJP president and MP, Nayab Singh Saini, was sworn in as the new Chief Minister of the State after Manohar Lal and his Council of Ministers resigned on Tuesday as the strained ruling coalition of the BJP and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) broke apart, amid differences over seatsharing for the Lok Sabha election.
The new Chief Minister inducted five MLAs — Kanwar Pal, Mool Chand, Banwari Lal, Jai Parkash Dalal (all from the BJP) and Ranjit Singh (Independent) — into the Cabinet. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath of office and secrecy to all of them.
Mr. Saini is an Other
HHaryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya (right) administers the oath of office to Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday.
Backward Class (OBC) leader, and by appointing him, it appears the BJP is attempting to firm up its hold and consolidate its position among the OBCs, who account for around 40% of the State’s population, ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Notably, former Home Minister Anil Vij was absent at the oath ceremony, triggering speculations about him being annoyed.
Speaking after taking the oath, Mr. Saini said that with responsibilities came the challenges and he was ready to face them. “We will win all the 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Also, the BJP will form the next government in the State with a thumping majority,” he said.
Mr. Saini said he had the support of 48 MLAs and a letter regarding this had been submitted to the Governor.
“We have urged the Governor to convene the Assembly tomorrow, where we will prove our majority on the floor of the House,” he said after chairing a Cabinet meeting.
In the 90member Assembly, the BJP has 41 MLAs and support from six Independents and the lone MLA of the Haryana Lokhit Party. The JJP has 10 legislators. The majority mark in the Assembly is 46.