The fate of Haryana's BJP government led by Nayab Singh Saini government hangs in balance as the Opposition parties have approached Governor Bandaru Dattatreya seeking a floor test in the Assembly.
The opposition Congress, the JJP and the INLD wrote to the governor on Thursday stepping up their efforts to topple the BJP government after three Independent MLAs withdrew support to the Saini government, reducing it to a minority in the state assembly.
While the Haryana Congress sought time on Friday to meet the governor to present a memorandum on the present political situation in the state, the JJP and INLD wrote separate letters to the Governor seeking a floor test in the assembly.
JJP leader Dushyant Chautala wrote to the governor on Wednesday saying that the Saini government no longer commands a majority and there should be an immediate floor test.
According to INLD's Abhay Singh Chautala, his party was demanding that the government immediately convene the Vidhan Sabha to hold a floor test to prove that it still enjoys its confidence given the current developments.
JJP MLAs meet Khattar
Amid the political crisis, there are reports that three JJP MLAs met BJP leader and former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in Panipat. Reports have emerged that Devender Babli (Tohana), Ramniwas Surjakhera (Narwana) and Jogi Ram Sihag (Barwala) met Khattar at Minister Mahipal Dhanda’s residence.
Though there is no official clarification, Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda's statement seemed to suggest this as he said the Congress had 30 MLAs but raised doubts about whether all 10 JJP MLAs were onboard with their party. "We are 30 MLAs...regarding JJP, it would have been better had they paraded 10 MLAs before the governor. "There is no dispute about our MLAs. Some of their (JJP's) MLAs are supporting someone else...let them go to the governor with their 10 MLAs," Hooda said.
Khattar, however, seemed to acknowledge the meeting, stating many MLAs are in touch with the BJP and there is "nothing to worry about". "Their arithmetic is not like they are thinking," said Khattar.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini maintained that his government is not in trouble. He said on Thursday that his government won a confidence vote in March and if it comes to seeking the trust vote, "I will do it again when the time comes. You ask Dushaynt Chautala how many MLAs he has got," Saini told reporters in Karnal, challenging the claim that his government has lost the majority in the House.
He also hit out at Chautala, stating he lost people's trust. "In the Lok Sabha polls, people will know the candidates he has put up where they stand," the CM said.
The Haryana Assembly has 90 seats. However, at present, the effective strength is 88, with Karnal and Rania assembly seats being vacant. The BJP has 40 MLAs, the Congress 30 and the JJP 10 in the House. INLD and Haryana Lokhit Party have one member each, while the total number of Independent MLAs is six.
