Dushyant Chautala, leader of the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), has requested a floor test against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana, following the withdrawal of support by three Independent MLAs from the Nayab Singh Saini government. The JJP, a former ally of the BJP, has expressed readiness to assist the Congress in toppling the BJP government in the state.
On May 7, the Haryana government faced a setback when three Independent MLAs withdrew their support, putting the government in a minority. The MLAs who withdrew their support are Randhir Golan from Pundri, Dharmpal Gonder from Nilokheri, and Sombir Singh Sangwan from Charkhi Dadri, all of whom have extended their support to the Congress.
Chautala stated to news agency ANI, “The government that was formed two months back is now in the minority because two of the MLAs who supported them – one from the BJP and the other an Independent MLA – have resigned. Three Independent MLAs who were supporting them have withdrawn their support and have written to the Governor. The JJP has clearly said that if a no-confidence motion is brought against this government, we will support the motion. We have also written to the Governor about it. Now, the Congress has to take this step (seeking a floor test). The Congress will have to decide if they are going to take any steps to corner the current BJP government or not.”
He further added that if the state government does not have the majority, the governor should implement President’s Rule in Haryana. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, however, has insisted that his government is not in any jeopardy, and former CM ML Khattar claimed that many MLAs are in contact with the BJP, indicating there is “nothing to worry” about.
These political developments have unfolded at a critical juncture, with Lok Sabha polls just two weeks away and assembly elections scheduled for October. The Haryana assembly currently has an effective strength of 88 members, with two seats vacant. The BJP holds 40 seats, the Congress 30, and the JJP 10, with one member each from the INLD and Haryana Lokhit Party. There are also six Independent MLAs, two of whom are supporting the government. Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat confirmed that he has been providing unconditional support to the BJP since 2019.