Former BJP Ally Dushyant Chautala, Seeking Haryana Show of Strength, Confronts Party Division

There were four MLAs from the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) present for a half-hour meeting with former BJP Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The meeting took place at the residence of Minister of State Mahipal Dhanda in Panipat, and sources have indicated that discussions regarding the current political crisis took place between the leaders.

However, Mr. Dhanda has declined to comment on the matter. In response to the unfolding situation, JJP leader Mr. Chautala has initiated disciplinary action against three MLAs, issuing showcause notices to Devinder Babli, Ram Niwas, and Jogi Ram.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khattar has expressed confidence, stating that the BJP has personal relations with many MLAs of both Congress and JJP. He emphasized the need for the Opposition to satisfy the Governor before a floor test and underscored the role of the Governor and the Assembly Speaker in making decisions on the Opposition’s demand.

The BJP-led government in Haryana found itself in crisis after three Independent MLAs withdrew their support. As a result, the government was declared a minority, and Mr. Chautala offered outside support to the Congress to form a government.

However, his request for a floor test encountered a technicality as only one no-confidence motion can be brought against the government in a single assembly session. In response, INLD MLA Abhay Singh Chautala has urged the Governor to either call a special session or impose President’s Rule.

Additionally, the term of the assembly is due to end in November, and with the assembly elections approaching, toppling the Saini government may be more of a symbolic gesture. Amidst these developments, the Chief Minister has urged the Congress to remain patient, emphasizing that discussions could take place during the upcoming assembly session and highlighting the need to focus on the Lok Sabha election.

The 90-seat Haryana Assembly currently has 88 members, with the majority mark set at 45. The BJP has 40 MLAs, including three Independent candidates, while the Congress has 30 MLAs with the support of three independent candidates.