Ex-BJP ally Chautala writes to Haryana governor, seeks floor test
Haryana's former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Singh Chautala, on Thursday, wrote to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya seeking a floor test. This comes two days after three independent legislators withdrew their support to the Bharatiya Janata Party's government in the state and extended "outside" support to the Congress. To recall, after the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP entered into an alliance with Chautala's Jannayak Janata Party to form the government in Haryana. The two parties snapped their ties two months ago.
Why does this story matter?
Haryana may face a hung assembly scenario—where no single party holds a majority to govern. In such a scenario, the governor extends an invitation to the leader of the single-largest party—currently the BJP—to initiate a government for 10 days. During this period, the party is granted the opportunity to secure support from other parties. Should the party fail to garner sufficient support within the timeframe, the governor dissolves the government—paving the way for a fresh election in the state.
Haryana assembly's majority mark is 45
In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP had emerged as the single-largest party and formed an alliance with the JJP, which has 10 MLAs. Two months ago, the BJP snapped ties with the JJP. While the total strength of the House is 90, right now it is 88 as two MLAs resigned earlier to contest the general elections—both on BJP tickets. This has brought the majority mark to 45.
Assembly elections scheduled for October
The BJP has 40 of its own MLAs and has claimed support of four JJP MLAs, taking its tally to 44. Meanwhile, the Congress has 30 MLAs in the House and the support of the three Independents takes its total to 33 seats. No single party seems to have a majority in Haryana. Separately, assembly elections are scheduled in the state in October.
Saini appointed new Haryana CM in March
In March, Manohar Lal Khattar resigned from the post of chief minister of Haryana, paving the way for party colleague and state unit chief Nayab Singh Saini to succeed him. Chautala was deputy chief minister to Khattar in the alliance government.
Chautala announces support to Congress
On Wednesday, Chautala announced that he would support "Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda" if the latter initiates a move to topple the state government. The three Independent MLAs who switched sides Tuesday—Dharampal Gondher (Nilokheri), Randhir Golan (Pundri), and Sombir Sangwan (Dadri)—announced their decision in the presence of former CM Hooda in Rohtak. Soon after, Hooda said, "This government should resign keeping in view the sentiments of the public. President's rule should be imposed in the state."
Now Congress has to take step on floor test: Chautala
According to reports, both the Congress and the JJP are waiting for each other to initiate action for a floor test. Reports suggested that the Congress is sceptical about collaborating with the JJP over its earlier alliance with the BJP. After submitting the letter to the governor, the JJP leader said, "We have also written to the Governor about it. Now, Congress has to take this step [regarding floor test]."
