Several MLAs in touch with BJP: Khattar amid Haryana crisis
A day after three Independent legislators withdrew their support to the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana and extended "outside" support to the Congress, former state Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said "several MLAs" were in touch with the ruling party as well. "There will be no impact of who is going where...Several MLAs are in touch with us too....there should be no worry," Khattar said while campaigning in Karnal—from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
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 45
In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP had emerged as the single-largest party and formed an alliance with Dushyant Singh Chautala's Jannnayak Janata Party, 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.
Here's what Khattar said amid Haryana political crisis
BJP government should resign: Hooda
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, the Congress's Bhupinder Singh 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." Haryana Congress president Udai Bhan demanded that the assembly elections in the state be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls on May 25.
Saini accuses Congress of engineering switch in support
In response, CM Nayab Singh Saini accused the Congress of engineering the switch in support. According to the Indian Express, he said, "Some MLAs have some ambitions. These days, the Congress is apparently fulfilling desires...People understand this...They also know who has what ambitions. The Congress has nothing to do with the needs of the people." To recall, Khattar resigned from the post of CM in March, paving the way for party colleague and state unit chief Saini to succeed him.
JJP to vote against BJP govt: Chautala
Meanwhile, JJP leader Chautala on Wednesday said that his party will vote against the BJP in case of a no-confidence motion. Notably, Chautala was deputy chief minister to Khattar in the alliance government. Chautala also announced his support if the Congress wanted to "bring down this government." "The LoP [leader of opposition] must topple the government...We have whip; all our MLAs are bound to it. They will follow the party's decision," he added.
