BJP's Saini Government Faces Crisis as 3 Independents Withdraw Support
Haryana's BJP-led government faces crisis as three Independent MLAs withdraw support, affecting assembly dynamics and raising questions of stability.
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BJP Saini government led by Nayab Singh Saini, faced a crisis when three Independent MLAs withdrew their support and decided to back the Congress in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. This move left the BJP with 40 MLAs in the 90-member Haryana Assembly. However, with the support of two other Independent MLAs and one from the Haryana Lokhit Party, BJP's tally reached 43, still two short of the halfway mark needed for a majority.
Although BJP claimed unofficial support from 4-5 MLAs of the JJP, they hadn't officially declared their support due to anti-defection laws. On the other side, the Congress had 30 MLAs, while their former ally, the JJP, had 10, and the INLD had one MLA. The position of another Independent MLA, Balraj Kundu, remained unclear.
The situation raised questions about the stability of the Saini-led government. However, the last no-confidence motion, held in March 2024, was won by the BJP government, and they argue that there's no crisis currently. According to rules, there must be a six-month gap before another no-confidence motion can be initiated.
The Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, downplayed the situation, dismissing it as not alarming. He attributed the opposition's actions to political manoeuvring, stating that people were aware of their motives. The vote of confidence in Haryana remains a significant concern amidst the ongoing political turbulence.
Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar echoed Saini's sentiment, asserting that there was no cause for concern amid the ongoing election season. He mentioned that several MLAs were in contact with them, suggesting ongoing support for the government. Amidst concerns of Haryana government instability, Khattar indicates confidence in maintaining support.
Meanwhile, the Congress demanded President's rule in Haryana and called for immediate elections. The political uncertainty comes amidst the scheduled Haryana Assembly elections later in the year.
The withdrawal of support by the Independent MLAs and the ensuing political manoeuvring has put the stability of the BJP-led government in Haryana into question, with both sides jostling for support to maintain or challenge the government's hold.
