In a historic victory, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has returned to power in Haryana for a third consecutive term, with Nayab Singh Saini confirmed as the party’s choice for Chief Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally called Saini to congratulate him on the remarkable win, which BJP leaders hailed as “well-earned and deserved” given the short time Saini had to make an impact since taking office in March 2024.
Saini’s Journey and Party Dynamics
Nayab Singh Saini, born on January 25, 1970, in Ambala, succeeded Manohar Lal Khattar as Haryana CM as part of the BJP’s strategy to counter anti-incumbency sentiments. Khattar, who led the state from 2014 to March 2024, was perceived as increasingly distant from the public.
During his brief tenure, Saini faced criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Congress, which claimed that segments of the populace, including “jawan-pehelwaan-kisan,” were dissatisfied with the BJP and would seek to “teach it a lesson.” However, Khattar emphasized that voters recognized the government’s accomplishments over the past decade and supported PM Modi’s policies.
Strategic Planning Ahead
The BJP leadership gathered at Khattar’s residence in Delhi to devise a plan for fulfilling election promises and shaping the party’s future in the state. While Khattar’s transition to a Union minister role marks a shift away from Haryana politics, Saini is viewed as more approachable and relatable, positioning him to connect better with the electorate.
In contrast to the Congress, which relied heavily on Jat leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the BJP aimed to appeal to a broader base, particularly non-Jat communities. This strategy appears to have paid off, as the BJP managed to secure a significant number of Jat-dominated seats, countering predictions from exit polls that anticipated a different outcome.