Haryana’s political landscape is in tumult as three independent MLAs have withdrawn their support from the ruling BJP government. Citing grievances such as farmer issues, inflation, and unemployment, these MLAs have thrown the stability of the government into question.
Haryana in Crisis
BJP led Nayab Singh Saini government in Haryana is in political turmoil and on the verge of collapse as they have lost their majority in the Assembly seats. This is due to the withdrawal of three independent MLAs, Sombir Sangwan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri), and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri) from the Haryana assembly. In addition to this, some other MLAs also resigned from their seats earlier in connection with the current Lok Sabha elections.
This led to the BJP losing its majority in Haryana Assembly. The three Independent MLAs have decided to extend their support to Congress during the elections. They announced their decision in a public press conference in the presence of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State Congress chief, Udai Bhan.
“At the time when they needed our support to form the government we were called again & again… We had decided that till the time Manoharlal Khattar was in power, we would support. We are sad that he is no more in power…In the interest of the farmers we withdraw the support from the government.” Independent MLA Dharam Pal Gondher said during the press conference while MLA Randhir Golan asserted “For last 4.5 years, we extended support to the BJP. Today unemployment and inflation are at their highest. Looking at this, we have withdrawn our support” citing their reasons for the withdrawal. “We are withdrawing support to the government. We are extending our support to the Congress,” Gonder said.
The Haryana assembly holds 88 seats in total. After the withdrawal of three Independent MLAs, the BJP now holds 40 seats in the Assembly, while the Congress holds 30, and the JJP 10. This further weakened the BJP’s position resulted in losing its majority which is at 45 seats. The government now faces the challenge of securing its mandate amidst growing dissent. Speaking at the conference, Udai Bhan said: “The present strength of (90-member) Haryana assembly is 88, of which the BJP has 40 members. The BJP government earlier had support of JJP MLAs and Independents, but JJP had also withdrawn support and now Independents are also leaving. Nayab Singh Saini government is now a minority government.”
हरियाणा में 3 निर्दलीय विधायकों ने भाजपा सरकार से अपना समर्थन वापस लेकर कांग्रेस को समर्थन दिया है, इससे प्रदेश की मौजूदा BJP सरकार अल्पमत में आ गई है।
अल्पमत वाली सरकार को सत्ता में रहने का कोई नैतिक अधिकार नहीं है। ये सरकार तुरंत इस्तीफा दे। @DeependerSHooda pic.twitter.com/pSN9DJMT51
— Haryana Congress (@INCHaryana) May 9, 2024
Amongst the chaos, both the Congress and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) are urging Governor Bandaru Dattatreya to step in. While the Congress calls for immediate Assembly polls under President’s rule, the JJP demands an urgent ‘floor test’ to ascertain the government’s majority in the Legislative Assembly. However, The Haryana assembly elections are due in October-November later this year.
Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda asserts, “On moral grounds, [the government] should resign… we are demanding fresh elections in the state.” Meanwhile, JJP leader Dushyant Chautala urges the Congress to take decisive action, stating, “They should write to the Governor that the government is in a minority.”
As the state grapples with political instability, the contest for Lok Sabha seats intensifies. Candidates from various parties, including the BJP, Congress, and JJP, are vying for electoral success, adding another layer of complexity to the already turbulent political scenario.
Speculations arise regarding the future course of action, as Haryana navigates through this political storm and the fate of the government hangs in the balance. It is speculated that significant developments may occur after the Lok Sabha election results are announced on June 4. With calls for intervention and demands for fresh elections echoing across the state, the coming days are critical in shaping the future trajectory of Haryana’s political landscape.
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