May 11, 2024 08:08 AM IST
The Congress has sought dismissal of the ‘minority’ Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government, along with fresh polls.
The Congress on Friday stepped up its demand for fresh elections in Haryana, where the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government lost its majority after three independent MLAs withdrew their support.
In March, Saini, who also heads the BJP’s Haryana unit, succeeded ML Khattar as chief minister, and passed a floor test. Khattar has been fielded by the party from the Karnal parliamentary seat in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
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Here are the latest updates:
(1.) In a two-page memorandum to Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, the Congress demanded dismissal of the “minority” Saini government, and fresh elections under President’s rule. It is “crystal clear” that the state government is in minority, the memorandum read.
(2.) In addition to the three legislators, another independent MLA, Balraj Kundu, had taken back his support “a couple of years ago,” the Congress pointed out. Kundu, the legislator from Meham, had accused then-CM Khattar of leading a “corrupt” administration.
(3.) On Friday, Kundu too wrote to the Governor, and sought President’s Rule. Noting that the Saini government is in a minority, he too called for a floor test through his letter.
(4.) The Congress, in its memorandum, said that as many as 45 members in the 90-seat assembly are opposed to the ruling camp, including 30 from the grand old party, 30 from Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), one from Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the four independents. The BJP, on the other hand, has 40 members, and is backed by two independents and Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP).
(5.) The current strength of the 90-seat House stands at 88 as former CM Khattar, and Ranjit Chautala, a minister in the incumbent government, have both resigned after being fielded by the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls.
(6.) In another significant development, JJP MLA Devender Singh Babli warned party leader and ex-deputy CM Dushyant Singh Chautala that the latter should not consider JJP as a “family party.” Babli and two other JJP legislators had met Manohar Lal Khattar on Thursday.
(With agency inputs)
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