In the latest twist in Haryana's political saga, the BJP-JJP alliance has crumbled, leading to a flurry of activity. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has resigned, and Naib Singh Saini is being touted as the state's next leader, with a swearing-in ceremony rumored for the evening. Amidst these developments, the whereabouts of 5 out of the 10 Jananayak Janata Party (JJP) MLAs remain unknown.
At the heart of this turmoil is a meeting called by JJP President Dushyant Chautala at his Delhi farmhouse, attended by only 5 of the 10 party MLAs. The abstainers have sparked rumors of a split. Present were legislators Naina Chautala, Dushyant himself, Ramkaran Kala, Amarjit Dhanda, and Anoop Dhanak. JJP spokesperson Arvind Bhardwaj, however, insists that the party stands united.
JJP Sought One to Two Seats
Arvind Bhardwaj claims that the JJP aims to contest all parliamentary and assembly seats in Haryana, with an official statement regarding the BJP alliance due soon. Prior to this, Dushyant Chautala had met with Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP President JP Nadda, seeking support for one or two seats.
MLAs Gathered at Farmhouse
Following BJP's top brass advice, Dushyant Chautala was told of the coalition's future, which was subsequently kept secret from JJP MLAs during a meeting of BJP legislators in Chandigarh. In response, the JJP called its MLAs to the Delhi farmhouse.
Independents Support BJP
With six independents in Haryana's legislature, Gopal Kanda announced pre-resignation that the alliance had ended, deeming JJP unnecessary even during previous elections. Randhir Singh Golan, another independent, emphasized that they were called by the CM for renewed support, which would be officially presented to the governor.
The Electoral Math of Haryana's Assembly
Haryana's assembly comprises 90 seats: BJP holds 41, Congress 30, Indian National Lok Dal 10, Haryana Lokhit Party 1, with 6 independents. A majority of 46 seats is needed. In the previous elections, no party achieved a majority, but a government was formed with JJP's support to BJP's 41 seats. This year's assembly elections are imminent following the parliamentary elections in October-November.
Government Formed with JJP Support
In the last election, despite no party having a clear majority, BJP emerged as the largest with 41 seats. The government was constituted with support from Dushyant Chautala's JJP. Manohar Lal Khattar was chosen as CM and Dushyant Chautala as Deputy CM. Almost four years later, the coalition has disbanded.
