Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij has announced the discontinuation of Janata Darbars in the state. This decision comes in response to the recent directive from Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, which allows ruling MLAs to partake in public dialogues similar to ministers and MPs. In a Legislative Party meeting held in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister extended this privilege to the MLAs, with the condition that they conduct these public interactions in districts or constituencies outside their own. Anil Vij, upon learning of this decision, has opted to cease holding Janata Darbars altogether.
However, the CM has imposed a condition that these public dialogues organized by MLAs should take place in districts or constituencies other than their own. Anil Vij became aware of this decision, leading him to opt for discontinuing Janata Darbars entirely.
Home Minister Anil Vij also distanced himself from the Haryana BJP Legislative Party meeting called by Chief Minister Manohar Lal. This was due to his dissatisfaction with the CM’s decision. Some party MLAs are also displeased with the CM’s ruling. They argue that since elections are imminent, there is little purpose in conducting public dialogues in other constituencies. During the elections, they must seek votes from their own constituencies.
Anil Vij’s Janata Darbar in Ambala was held twice a month, on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. People from all across Haryana would come to this forum to voice their grievances. Every session would attract more than 5,000 complainants. Vij would extend the hearings until 1 o’clock in the morning to address their concerns.
CM Manohar Lal Khattar issued an order in March 2023, requiring field officers, including District Commissioners (DC) and Superintendents of Police (SP), to address the public’s concerns from 11 am to 2 pm. Nevertheless, Anil Vij ceased holding the Janata Darbar despite this directive. During that time, he expressed his long-standing desire for this change and felt it was fulfilled. As a result, he has decided not to conduct the Janata Darbar every Saturday. Vij has also pledged to continue resolving issues for the people in his Ambala constituency.