In a surprising move before the Parliamentary elections, the BJP appointed Nayab Saini as Chief Minister of Haryana, replacing Manohar Lal Khattar. In contrast, the former Home Minister of the state and senior BJP leader Anil Vij displayed his discontent post the observers' meeting and did not attend Saini's swearing-in ceremony.
Addressing Vij's displeasure, Manohar Lal commented that he has known him for a long time and he tends to get upset with things rather quickly but eventually lets them go. He also discussed the underlying reasons for the BJP-JJP alliance coming apart.
Nayab is an old colleague: Manohar Lal
Post Saini's ascent to power in Haryana, Manohar Lal, while addressing media queries during a press conference, explained that JJP's demand for more seats clashed with the BJP's target to claim victory in all 10 parliamentary seats. He noted that it's a BJP tradition to bring new faces to the forefront, and Nayab has been an old ally.
Is this why the BJP-JJP alliance fell apart?
Former CM Manohar Lal Khattar, in Chandigarh, discussed the BJP and JJP alliance breakdown, noting that the BJP had won all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, whereas the JJP leaders had their demands for the parliamentary seats. He implied the central leadership must have had discussions post which they made the decision, though he was not privy to the details. Officially, nothing had been presented to them, but the JJP decided they would contest the Lok Sabha elections separately, and subsequent decisions were made accordingly.
'The new CM will also speak with Anil Vij'
He also revealed there would be new responsibilities given by the central leadership after the parliamentary elections. When asked about Anil Vij's resentment, he said he has known Vij since 1990; they are a senior leader whose name had been amongst the list of cabinet ministers. It is Vij's nature to be sometimes troubled by things, but he eventually forgets and moves on, as has been the case in previous incidents. We are in talks with him, and our new Chief Minister will also speak with him.
State Cabinet meeting concludes
Meanwhile, the Haryana state cabinet meeting has concluded. The new Chief Minister, Nayab Saini, said that they would continue to work without discrimination, just as Manohar Lal did. The cabinet expressed gratitude for the work done during Manohar's term and thanked the BJP high command. Saini said that with the responsibility given, the government would strive to reach out to every individual, fulfilling their expectations. A decision to call for an assembly session has been made for the following morning at 11 am, where the majority will be proven on the floor. The governor has been presented with a letter of support from 48 MLAs today.
