Following the loss of his ministerial seat in Haryana, Anil Vij has put rumors of his displeasure to rest. Left out of the new cabinet after a collective resignation, he did not attend the new CM's swearing-in ceremony. Vij now affirms his unwavering devotion to BJP, 'Circumstances constantly evolve. I have always worked for BJP and will now redouble my efforts.'
Despite his reservations, Vij was absent from the new Chief Minister's oath-taking event. Post the ceremony, CM Manohar Lal Khattar disclosed Vij's intended inclusion in the cabinet, which did not materialize as Vij left a meeting with CM Khattar midway. His dissatisfaction was publicly visible following this incident.
Anil Vij's grievance regarding the appointment of Nayab Singh Saini as CM persists. However, despite his discontent, he is traveling from Ambala to Chandigarh in his private car for the floor test, following two personal calls from JP Nadda encouraging his participation. He has, however, not consented to join the cabinet.
Also of interest: The Saini government faces a crucial floor test shortly, CM arrives at assembly with ministers, Khattar at the forefront
Vij was a contender for CM in 2014
After the Haryana legislative elections in 2014, Anil Vij was among the potential candidates for the Chief Ministerial position. The party had then formed a government on its own merit. However, BJP chose then-first-time legislator ML Khattar for the CM role. Vij was entrusted with significant departments including Home and Health.
Updated to note: Haryana's Saini government undergoes majority testing today, see the fast-paced news coverage
Nayab Singh Saini sworn in as Haryana's new CM
BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini took the oath as Haryana's new Chief Minister on Tuesday evening, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar. His second tenure as CM was to conclude in October 2024. BJP has now appointed the low-profile OBC leader Nayab Singh Saini as the Chief Minister moving forward.
Read more: As Chandigarh forms a new government, is 'disgruntled' Anil Vij seen enjoying golgappas and aloo tikki in Ambala? Video
JJP sidelined by BJP
In a significant shift ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the party has sidelined alliance partner JJP. Nayab Singh was sworn in at 5 PM at the Chandigarh Raj Bhavan in the presence of the outgoing Chief Minister and his predecessor, Khattar, and Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. Before heading to the center stage, Saini sought blessings from Khattar, who warmly embraced him.
