Haryana Political Crisis: Is Congress Posing A Threat To Saini Govt? Here’s What Number Game Suggests

Is the BJP falling short of the majority mark, and can Congress pose a threat to the Saini-led government? Here’s what the number game and the recent political crisis in Haryana suggest.

Haryana political crisis explained (File photos of Bhupinder Singh Hooda (L), Nayab Singh Saini (C) & Dushyant Chautala (R))

Source : PTI Images

In a surprising turn of events during the Lok Sabha elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state government in Haryana finds itself teetering on the edge of the minority following the defection of three Independent MLAs to the Congress camp. In response, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday asserted the stability of his government, despite the recent defections. This recent development has prompted urgent maneuvering from the Congress, scrambling to gather enough support to dismantle the Saini govt ahead of the state polls. 

The crucial development came as Independent MLAs Sombir Sangawan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri), and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri) announced their withdrawal from the BJP government during a press conference held in Rohtak. Standing alongside them were top Congress leaders, including Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and state Congress chief Udai Bhan. 

Is the BJP falling short of the majority mark? Can Congress pose a threat to the Saini-led government? Here’s a rundown of the events that have unfolded since yesterday, and all that you need to know about the Haryana political crisis so far: 

War Of Words Between Saini And Hooda

Haryana CM Saini today asserted the stability of his government, stating that his administration is working strongly and is “not in any trouble”. “The government is not in any trouble, it is working strongly,” he was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Opposition leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda countered this, urging the resignation of the government and advocating for the imposition of President’s rule. “The government should resign. President's rule should be imposed in the state and elections held. This is an anti-people government,” he told reporters in a press conference. 

Earlier on Tuesday, CM Saini had told reporters, reacting to the withdrawal by the three MLAs, “I have received this information. Some MLAs have their desires... Congress is fulfilling its desires, but people know everything. Congress is not concerned about the desires of people, but only about itself”. 

READ | Haryana: 3 Independent MLAs Withdraw Support From Nayab Saini Govt, Congress Claims BJP 'Has Lost Majority'

Khattar’s Stern Warning To Congress

Meanwhile, former Haryana Chief Minister and BJP candidate from Karnal Lok Sabha Constituency, Manohar Lal Khattar warned the Congress party and expressed his confidence in the current government. “First of all, they cannot defect to any other party, if they do so, their membership will be cancelled," he said, adding, “This political battle will go long, many people are in touch with us, be it from Congress or JJP. They should take care of their home first”.

 "If they want, they can come to the political battleground, we will see what happens. We will make sure that in the next election (of state assembly), we get a full majority so that such situations don't arise," Khattar told reporters on Wednesday. 

“I have full faith that the people of Haryana will make BJP victorious,” he added. 

Adding a significant dimension to the current political situation, Haryana Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta indicated that a recent majority test, conducted at Hooda’s behest, renders another unnecessary for the next six months. It is to be noted that the Nayab Singh Saini government had previously secured a vote of secured a vote of confidence shortly after assuming power in March. 

READ | Haryana Political Crisis: Congress Says BJP Can't Run Minority Government, Speaker Responds

The Number Game In Haryana

Understanding the dynamics of numerical strength in the 90-seat Haryana Assembly becomes essential in this scenario. With 88 current MLAs, the majority mark stands at 45. While the BJP falls short by two MLAs, the Congress possesses 30 legislators, augmented by the support of three Independents. Should the JJP align with Congress, the combined tally would reach 43, significantly undermining the incumbent government’s position. 

Is JJP The King Maker?

But the political crisis in Haryana has a twist, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), a former ally of the BJP, has extended support to the Congress. This potentially poses a threat to the Saini-led government in the state. 

“We will support a move to bring down the government. The Congress has to decide if it will make a move or note,” JJP leader Digvijay Singh Chautala remarked.

"The CM at least admitted that he is weak today. I think such a CM, who admits he is weak, is not capable of heading the state on moral grounds," Dushyant Chautala, former Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana, told reporters today. 

This follows the recent rift between the BJP and the JJP, which culminated in the BJP securing adequate support to surpass the majority mark, with 40 of its own MLAs and backing from three Independent MLAs. 

The Chautala Family Story

Amidst this political crisis, attention is drawn to the interesting dynamics within the Chautala family, which has historically wielded huge influence in Haryana’s politics. The emergence of JJP, led by Dushyant Chautala, estranged nephew of INLD’s Abhay Chautala, introduces a compelling narrative. 

With JJP supporting Congress, it will be interesting to see whether Abhay Chautala, INLD’s sole representative in the Assembly, will stick with BJP or join his nephew.