Less than two months into office, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's administration faces a political storm. Three independent legislators withdrew their support on Tuesday, hinting a preference towards Congress.
Dadar MLA Somveer Sangwan, Pundri MLA Randhir Singh Gollen, and Nilokheri MLA Dharampal Gondan are among the defectors.
Following the MLA's switch, the opposition has sprung into action. Ex-coalition Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) has penned a letter to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya seeking a floor test, ready to support any majority-seeking party.
Former Deputy CM and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala expressed readiness to topple the BJP government by siding with Congress, highlighting JJP's disassociation from BJP.
Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has written to the Governor claiming BJP's minority status and urging CM Saini to resign on moral grounds.
Despite the crisis, CM Saini remains unshaken, claiming no peril to his governance. Ex-CM Manohar Lal Khattar even hinted at engaging some lawmakers to keep support intact, dismissing concerns.
But why the confidence?
With 90 legislative seats, Haryana operates with 88 present lawmakers due to Khattar and Ranjit Singh's resignations to contest Lok Sabha polls.
BJP flaunts the support of 47, including 6 independents beside its own 40, while the majority mark needs 45.
Independent lawmakers appear pivotal, with three already aligning with Congress.
Despite shifting allegiances, Saini's government seems secure due to constitutional safeguards preventing immediate no-confidence motions.
Following the floor test success in March, the next challenge can only arise after six months, placing the next possible no-confidence in August.
Now, all eyes are on the Governor Bandaru Dattatreya to direct the next move, possibly without waiting for an official no-confidence motion.
JJP has cited the SR Bommai Case to empower the Governor's intervention, backed by Article 174, which allows for assembly dissolution or session convening at his discretion.
The political crisis in Haryana continues to unfold with opposition factions not fully united, as Hooda suggests that JJP should present all its legislators before the Governor to clarify their stance.
