Haryana Politics: Nayab Saini Takes Oath As Chief Minister; Independent MLA Ranjit Singh Sworn In As Minister

New Delhi: BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini today become the new Chief Minister of Haryana. Saini, who is the party's state chief, took oath at Raj Bhawan ending the day-long drama. Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered oath to Saini and new ministers. BJP MLA Kanwar Pal Gujjar, who was speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, and transport minister in previous government Moolchand Sharma also took oath as a ministers. Other MLAs who took oath as the minister in the Saini government include Ranjit Singh (independent MLA), Jai Prakash Dalal (BJP) and Dr Banwari Lal (BJP). Dalal was cabinet Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Animals Husbandry & Dairying Fisheries, Law & Legislative in the Khattar government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to Saini on becoming CM of the state. "Congratulations to Nayab Saini Ji on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Haryana. Wishing him and his team of Ministers the very best for their efforts in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Haryana," said PM Modi.

In a dramatic turn of events, Haryana’s Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar, along with his cabinet, tendered their resignations to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, reported by Zee News TV. This move has fueled rumors of a rift within the state’s ruling coalition, comprised of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), particularly over seat distribution as the Lok Sabha elections loom on the horizon. The BJP also broke its alliance with the JJP by bagging the support of independent MLAs.

Live - Oath Ceremony -CM @NayabSainiBJP Jihttps://t.co/Uguo09Sk0F — Haryana BJP (@BJP4Haryana) March 12, 2024

BJP's Legislature Meeting 

A crucial legislative meeting of the BJP was held ahead of the swearing-in ceremony with all 41 BJP MLAs in attendance. Prominent figures such as Tarun Chugh, Union Minister Arjun Munda, and the party’s state in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb were also present in the meeting. Discussions with five independent MLAs and HLP’s Gopal Kanda, who back the BJP-led government, were also held.

#WATCH | Union Minister Arjun Munda and BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh arrive at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh.

Haryana CM Khattar and his cabinet today submitted their resignations to state Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. pic.twitter.com/UKjSuefTup — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2024

Current Haryana Assembly Composition

In the Haryana Legislative Assembly, which comprises 90 members, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) holds a significant presence with 41 legislators. The Congress follows with 30 seats, and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has 10 representatives. To secure a majority, a party or coalition needs at least 46 members. The BJP enjoys the support of 6 out of 7 independent legislators. Additionally, the assembly includes one member each from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP).

The majority mark in the 90-member Haryana Assembly stands at 46. The BJP, with its 41 MLAs and the backing of six independent MLAs, is well-positioned. The sole HLP legislator, Gopal Kanda, also supports the BJP. Should the JJP withdraw, the BJP would still command the support of 48 MLAs, ensuring a smooth governance process. The assembly also comprises 30 Congress MLAs and 10 from the JJP. Additionally, there is one MLA from the INLD and another independent legislator.

The six independent MLAs who are poised to play a pivotal role in the sustenance of the BJP government are:

• Nayan Pal Rawat
• Dharampal Gonder
• Randhir Singh Golan
• Rakesh Daultabad
• Ranjit Singh
• Sombeer Sangwan