Former BJP Ally Dushyant Chautala, Who Challenged Haryana Strength Test, Confronts Party Division

Four MLAs of the JJP attended a half-hour meeting with former BJP Chief Minister ML Khattar, amid efforts to bring a no-confidence motion against the Nayab Singh Saini government. This move comes after three Independent MLAs withdrew their support from the BJP, prompting a handful of Mr. Chautala’s MLAs to meet with Mr. Khattar. The meeting, held around 2 pm at the residence of Minister of State Mahipal Dhanda in Panipat, saw the leaders discuss the current political crisis. Although the host, Mr. Dhanda, declined to comment on the matter, Mr. Chautala has initiated disciplinary action against three of his MLAs.

Meanwhile, Mr. Khattar remains unperturbed, emphasizing the BJP’s personal relations with several MLAs from Congress and JJP. He indicated that the Governor and Assembly Speaker would ultimately decide on the Opposition’s demand for a floor test. Notably, the BJP-led government in Haryana faced a crisis earlier in the week when three MLAs withdrew their support. Mr. Chautala subsequently declared outside support to the Congress, leading to a demand for a floor test.

However, a technicality limits the Opposition’s options, as only one no-confidence motion can be proposed in a single assembly session. Furthermore, with assembly elections on the horizon, toppling the Saini government may primarily serve as a symbolic gesture. INDL MLA Abhay Singh Chautala has also urged the Governor to impose President’s Rule in the state if an assembly session cannot be convened. In response to the Congress’s urge for swift action, Chief Minister Saini advised the party to concentrate on the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

Currently, the Haryana Assembly, with 90 seats, comprises 88 members, with the majority mark at 45. The BJP holds 40 MLAs, including three Independents, and is two short of a majority, while the Congress has 30 MLAs and support from three Independents.