Amid Haryana political crisis, JJP MLA questions Dushyant Chautala's authority
Former Haryana Minister and Jannayak Janta Party MLA Devender Singh Babli, on Friday, questioned the capacity in which Dushyant Singh Chautala wrote to governor Bandaru Dattatreya demanding a floor test. Babli alleged that eight out of ten JJP lawmakers are opposed to Chautala's leadership. He added that plans are in motion to replace Chautala as the leader of the JJP legislature wing. "Dushyant has only the support of his mother...Naina Chautala...the rest of the lawmakers favor changing him," he said.
Why does this story matter?
This comes amid a political crisis in Haryana triggered 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 JJP to form the government in Haryana. The two parties snapped their ties two months ago.
Babli criticizes Chautala's shifting political stance
Babli also hit out at Chautala for his "changing political stance," particularly after the 2019 assembly polls. "After the 2019 assembly polls, he [Chautala] extended support to the BJP and was part of the government for four and a half years...now he is seeking to topple the BJP government," Babli stated. He further accused Chautala of altering his ideology, noting that he is now considering supporting the Congress, whom he previously termed as "the biggest enemy."
Rebel JJP lawmakers plan to challenge Chautala's leadership
Reports indicate that rebel JJP lawmakers are preparing to challenge Chautala's leadership in the coming days. Three of these lawmakers reportedly met with former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar recently to strategize on breaking away from the JJP. These rebel lawmakers have expressed their intention to decide their support for the BJP government when a non-confidence motion is brought forward. "Before the floor test, we will change our legislature party leader," a rebel lawmaker said, according to reports.
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. Notably, Chautala was the deputy CM to Khattar in the alliance government in Haryana.
Haryana political crisis explained
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.
