The Congress in a memorandum to the Haryana Governor on Friday urged the dismissal of the current "minority" BJP government in the state and the initiation of fresh elections under the supervision of the President's rule. High-ranking Democratic leader B.B. Batra, accompanied by Chief Legislative Party (CLP) chief whip C.L.P. and Deputy CLP leader Aftab Ahmed, delivered a memorandum to Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, highlighting the prevailing political landscape in the state.
Earlier this week, three Independent lawmakers had withdrawn their support for the Nayab Singh Saini-led government in Haryana. The party emphasised that another Independent MLA, Balraj Kundu, had withdrawn his support a couple of years ago and remains at odds with the current Haryana administration.
As per PTI, The party stated that it is "crystal clear" in its memorandum that the Haryana government was reduced to a minority in the House. With two assembly seats vacant, the effective strength of the 90-member Haryana assembly currently stands at 88.
The Congress highlighted in its memo, "It is crystal clear that 30 (Congress) +10 (Jannayak Janta Party)+1 (INLD)+3 (Independents who withdrew support) +1 (Independent Balraj Kundu) = 45 MLAs are opposing this government which is more than the 43 MLAs now supporting the Haryana government.” “This shows that this government has lost the confidence of the majority of the MLAs in the present House," it also stated.
The Congress MLA, Batra, also stated that the party does not currently intend to form the government. "We are demanding the dismissal of this government and holding of fresh elections under the President's rule. We will go to people and seek their mandate. We will not form a government in this scenario," he remarked.
The President's rule must be imposed "so that no horse trading takes place", Batra also said, as quoted by PTI.
Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda discussed the situation in the two-page memo. On Tuesday, three Independent MLAs in Haryana—Sombir Sangwan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri), and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri)—announced that they would now support the long-standing party.
Congress Asks Haryana Govt To Dismiss CM Nayab Singh-Led Govt
The Congress memorandum underscored that ideally, CM Nayab Singh Saini should resign on moral grounds "but this government is unabashedly seeking shelter under sheer technicalities or rather unconstitutionality by claiming that they have the majority".
"In view of the facts placed before you, you are requested to exercise your constitutional authority to dismiss this minority government immediately and order fresh elections under President's rule and uphold the democratic values,” it stated. "If the Governor does not dismiss the minority government, then immediately Vidhan Sabha should be convened and the Chief Minister be directed to seek a vote of confidence on the floor of the House," highlighted the memorandum.
It underlined that allowing the minority government to garner support "through illegal and undemocratic methods will put technicalities above the spirit of the democratic principles". "Your prompt action in this matter will restore the faith of the people in our democratic system and enhance the dignity of your high office," the party added.
It stated that the government lacked the moral authority, constitutional validity, and public confidence to hold office for even a brief period following the three Independents' withdrawal of their support. "The Congress has 30 MLAs who are opposed to this government from the beginning,” it said.
"The JJP, its earlier coalition partner, has withdrawn its support from the government and demanded imposition of presidential rule through a letter addressed to you. Similarly, the lone MLA of INLD Abhay Singh has also demanded imposition of President rule," the memorandum added.
Aftab Ahmed said, "Majority MLAs are in opposition to this government and it has lost the moral right to continue". "If the Governor says, we are ready to parade our 30 MLAs," Ahmed added, as quoted by PTI.
Batra stated that they gave the memo to the secretary of the governor in Dattatreya's name “had left for Telangana for some work.” When asked if Congress may contemplate moving the court, Batra said, "Governor is the constitutional head, let him first decide the matter".
Asked about CM Nayab Saini's remark that his government is not in any danger, Batra responded, "he should say where he has the numbers".
Earlier on Thursday, the Democratic party had requested a meeting with the Haryana Governor to address the situation arising from the withdrawal of support by three Independent MLAs to the BJP government. Democratic leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda had stated that the "minority" administration should resign on moral grounds.
However, Chief Minister Saini has repeatedly stated that his government is not facing any crisis. The government currently enjoys the support of two Independent legislators and Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) member Gopal Kanda.