In a significant development, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Haryana, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, emerged victorious in a crucial floor test held in the state assembly on Wednesday. The floor test, conducted by a voice vote, concluded after a two-hour-long discussion among the legislators.
The special session of the Haryana assembly commenced amidst a contentious atmosphere, with the opposition Congress questioning the legitimacy of the House’s convening. Leader of the opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, demanded an adjournment until all members were present, but the Speaker rejected the plea.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who assumed office along with his cabinet on Tuesday, initiated the motion seeking a vote of confidence on the floor of the House. Following this, the four legislators of the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) present in the House withdrew, adhering to a whip issued by the JJP leadership instructing its members to abstain from voting.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Chief Minister Saini, hailing from a humble background, acknowledged the BJP’s support, emphasizing the party’s inclusivity and merit-based approach.
However, during the debate, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticized the BJP’s decision to replace former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini, labeling it as a temporary arrangement. Hooda accused the BJP of deceiving the public and expressed confidence in the electorate’s judgment in the forthcoming polls.
Congress leader Raghuvir Singh Kadian also condemned the BJP’s governance, citing concerns over farmer distress and alleged police brutality against protesters.
In the 90-member state assembly, the BJP holds 41 seats and enjoys support from six independents and the lone Haryana Lokhit Party MLA, Gopal Kanda.
In a related development, former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced his resignation as an MLA from the Karnal constituency, signaling a potential candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Khattar expressed confidence in Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s leadership, passing on the mantle to his successor.
The outcome of the floor test solidifies the BJP-led government’s position in Haryana, albeit amidst opposition criticism and political realignments, setting the stage for the upcoming electoral landscape in the state.
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