Amidst political shifts within Haryana’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Chief Minister, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar. The change in leadership occurred just before the Lok Sabha elections, with Khattar’s second term scheduled to end at the assembly polls in October. The oath-taking ceremony notably excluded senior BJP leader Anil Vij, who had also absented himself from a prior BJP legislature party meeting and was rumored to be upset over the elevation of Saini, bypassing his own prospects. Despite his reaction and a history of displayed displeasures, Khattar expressed understanding, suggesting a conversation with Vij would soon follow.
Former Chief Minister Khattar hinted at a role in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, while Vij’s political future remained uncertain as he departed to Ambala after the legislature meeting. The BJP anticipated proving the majority of the new government in a special assembly session, with Saini presenting support from 48 MLAs. Strains between BJP and their former ally Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) surfaced over disagreements related to the Lok Sabha seat-sharing arrangement.
The Haryana cabinet reshuffle and new appointments came in the wake of these developments, with the BJP preparing for the legislative party meeting prior to the assembly session. As political strategies are being redrawn, former allies JJP announced its decision to contest on its own in both parliamentary and state elections. BJP’s coalition with JJP had been instrumental in forming the government post the 2019 elections when a majority eluded the BJP. Now, as political dynamics shift ahead of crucial polls, all eyes are on how alliances and strategies will unfold in the legislative landscape of Haryana.