The upcoming cabinet reshuffle in Haryana, likely to be led by Nayab Singh Saini, is set to bring significant changes as the BJP focuses on infusing new faces into key ministerial positions.
Sources suggest that caste equations will play a pivotal role in determining the final list of ministers as the BJP aims to ensure balanced representation to maintain its electoral stronghold in the state.
According to party insiders, the BJP leadership is keen on selecting candidates from a diverse range of communities, including Jats, Brahmins, Vaishyas, Dalits, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), especially Yadavs. This strategic move is designed to strengthen the party’s foothold across different regions, ensuring that it remains a formidable force in the run-up to the assembly elections.
The BJP’s recently elected 48 lawmakers reportedly held a meeting, though all eyes are on the central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as discussions over the final cabinet composition continue. Reports indicate that the oath-taking ceremony is tentatively scheduled for October 15.
The new cabinet is expected to include 12 ministers in addition to Nayab Singh Saini. During discussions held on Thursday between Saini and senior BJP leaders, the focus remained on finalizing names while carefully considering caste and regional representation. This distribution highlights the party’s emphasis on inclusivity, with two ministers each from the Punjabi, Brahmin, Jat, and Yadav communities, and one each from the Bania, Gurjar, Valmiki, and Jatav communities.
Sources said that the several leaders such as Anil Vij (Punjabi), Krishna Bedi (Valmiki), Krishanlal Panwar (Jatav), Arvind Sharma (Brahmin), Krishna Midda (Punjabi), Mahipal Dhanda (Jat), Mool Chand Sharma (Brahmin), Laxman Yadav (Yadav), Arti Rao and Rao Narbir (Yadav), Vipul Goel (Bania), and Tejpal Tanwar (Gurjar) are making efforts for the cabinet berth.
However, Anil Vij, who previously served as the Home Minister in the Khattar government, has opted out of the new cabinet due to internal dissatisfaction.
The reshuffle follows significant electoral losses for several ministers from the previous government. Eight out of ten ministers from the Saini-led cabinet, including Subhash Sudha from Thanesar, Sanjay Singh from Nuh, Aseem Goel from Ambala City, Kamal Gupta from Hisar, and Kanwar Pal from Jagadhri, faced defeat in the recent elections.
Notably, senior leaders like Abhe Singh Yadav (Nangal Chaudhary), JP Dalal (Loharu) and Ranjeet Singh Chautala (Rania) also lost their seats, further simplifying the selection process for the BJP.
Reports suggest that independent MLA Savitri Jindal from Hisar is also being considered for a cabinet position. This has opened up opportunities for new faces in the cabinet, as the BJP aims to refresh its leadership. The reshuffle is seen as a key part of the BJP’s long-term strategy for Haryana, as the party seeks to prepare for the next elections by presenting a leadership team that balances experience with fresh energy.
Sources indicate that several first-time MLAs have gained prominence within the party and are being considered for ministerial roles, reflecting the BJP’s focus on nurturing younger leaders while ensuring governance continuity. Balancing caste and regional representation is central to the BJP’s internal deliberations. The reshuffle is expected to serve as a precursor to the BJP’s electoral strategy in Haryana, with the party positioning itself for a strong performance in the forthcoming assembly elections.
