As political parties in Haryana ramp up their preparation ahead of the Assembly elections next year, the ruling alliance between the BJP and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) has recently become the most closely-watched development in the state. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar ended all speculations that the alliance might break by announcing that the saffron party plans to continue its partnership with the JJP. However, this announcement comes as a big blow to several Independent MLAs. A number of Independents in the state had attempted to pressure the BJP to quit the alliance in a bid to get a berth for themselves in the state cabinet. Several legislators had also made public their aspirations for a ministerial post in the government. The BJP would have paved a path for these MLAs to enter the government, had it bid farewell to its alliance partner.
Independent MLA Randhir Golan from Pundari said: “There is nothing wrong in having a desire for the post of a Minister as all the Independent MLAs had.” Similarly, Nayanpal Rawat who led the Independents, said he had been optimistic about getting a berth in the cabinet. Rawat is still of the opinion that the BJP should put an end to this alliance as soon as possible. “The sooner the BJP moves away from the JJP, the more the BJP will benefit,” he added. He also took a jibe at the JJP, saying the party needs some reason or excuse to run away from responsibility. The JJP has also been taking on Independent MLAs, stating that despite currying favours from Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala for development projects in their respective constituencies, the Independent are now “shamelessly” criticising the party and the alliance. Last week six Independent MLAs met BJP state in-charge Biplab Deb in Delhi to extend their support and convince party higher-ups to break the alliance.