Dushyant Chautala, Former BJP Ally, Faces Party Split After Haryana Power Struggle

Four MLAs of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) recently held a half-hour meeting with former BJP Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, as the party is facing efforts to bring a no-confidence motion against the current government after three Independent MLAs withdrew their support from the BJP. The meeting, which took place at the residence of Minister of State Mahipal Dhanda in Panipat, was also attended by Mr. Dhanda. During the meeting, the leaders discussed the current political crisis, although Mr. Dhanda declined to comment on the matter. In response, JJP leader Mr. Chautala has initiated a crackdown, issuing showcause notices to three MLAs from his party.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khattar has appeared unfazed, expressing that the BJP maintains personal relations with many MLAs of Congress and the JJP. He emphasized the requirement for the Opposition to satisfy the Governor before the floor test, highlighting the need for personal attendance by MLAs and the decision-making role of the Governor and the Assembly Speaker. The Haryana government faced a crisis this week after key MLAs withdrew support from the BJP, prompting Mr. Chautala to declare the BJP government as a minority and offer outside support to the Congress in forming a government. However, with limitations on bringing no-confidence motions in a single assembly session, the options for the Opposition are restricted.

There have been calls for a special assembly session and even for the imposition of President’s Rule in the state. Notably, with the assembly elections due later this year, toppling the current government may largely be seen as a symbolic exercise. While these developments unfold, the Chief Minister has urged the Congress to focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Haryana Assembly, consisting of 90 seats, currently has 88 members, altering the majority mark to 45.

As the BJP holds 40 MLAs, including three Independent candidates, and the Congress has 30 MLAs with three independent candidates supporting it.