Political Turmoil in Haryana : Independent MLAs Withdraw Support from BJP

Three Independent MLAs abandoned the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which led the Haryana government, dealing a serious blow to the government. The number of Independent MLAs who support the BJP in the state has dropped from six to at least three as a result of three MLAs opposing the Nayab Singh Saini-led government.

The three MLAs, Dharampal Gondar (Nilokheri), Randhir Golan (Pundri), and Sombir Sangwan (Charkhi Dadri), announced on Tuesday that they had made the decision to sever ties with the Saini government. As the Lok Sabha Elections of 2024 approach, they have now extended their support to the Congress.

Political turmoil in Haryana has reached a critical juncture following the withdrawal of support by three independent legislators from the BJP government. This significant development has plunged the state into a period of uncertainty and upheaval, as the stability of the ruling coalition hangs in the balance. With key allies deserting the government, questions abound regarding its ability to maintain control and effectively govern amidst mounting challenges. The repercussions of this political unrest are felt far and wide, casting a shadow over the future direction of Haryana's political landscape. As stakeholders scramble to navigate this turbulent terrain, the fate of the state hangs in the balance, with implications that extend beyond mere partisan interests.

This occurred during the Lok Sabha elections and two months after Nayab Singh Saini succeeded Manohar Lal Khattar as Haryana's chief minister.

Political turmoil in Haryana

Despite the brewing turmoil, CM Saini remained unfazed, attributing the defection to Congress's manipulative tactics.

"When I heard about it, I knew that moment the Congress is trying to fulfil their wishes. Everyone has a wish," Saini said.

"But the people know. They know the Congress has got nothing to do with the wishes of people, but only with fulfilling their personal wishes," he said, NDTV reported

Political Turmoil in Haryana : Congress's Strategic Move

Former Chief Minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda remarked that since the BJP is currently in the minority in the cabinet, it has no business remaining in power in Haryana.

"Keeping in mind the sentiments of the public, the MLAs supported the Congress, thanks to all the three independents," Hooda stated.

"The BJP should immediately dissolve the government and face the assembly elections," the Congress leader added.

Is the government of Haryana currently in danger? Is it possible for the Congress to overthrow the BJP government in Haryana? What takes place after that? Here's a detailed analysis of the political climate in Haryana:

How do the numbers look in Haryana Assembly?

The Haryana assembly is composed of ninety MLAs. The party's current standing in the state assembly is as follows:

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 40 MLAs (after Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation in March 2024 as chief minister and MLA).

Independent: 7 MLAs

Jannayak Janta Party (JJP): 10 MLAs

Congress: 30 MLAs

Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP): 1 MLA

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD): 1 MLA

There are 90 people in the Haryana assembly. In order to pass the halfway point in the Haryana assembly and establish a state government, a political party requires the backing of forty-six MLAs.

The BJP currently has 40 MLAs in the assembly, according to the party's current standing. The lone member of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) and at least three independent MLAs (before, six independent MLAs supported the Haryana BJP) are in favour of the party.

Just two MLAs separate the ruling BJP's complete support from the midway point, which stands at 44. The BJP will not be able to form administration in the state, not even with one less MLA.

Thirty MLAs represent the Congress in the Haryana Assembly. With three MLAs backing it, the total rises to 33. Thirteen MLAs separate this from the majority.

Therefore, under this circumstance, neither the Congress nor the BJP will be able to establish a government in Haryana.

What takes place after that?

It's possible that Haryana will see a hung assembly, meaning that no party would have enough votes to form a government.

The governor of a state invites the leaders of the single largest party, in this case the BJP, to form a provisional administration for ten days in the event of a hung assembly. Additionally, the governor grants that political party ten days to secure the backing of other parties and establish its majority.

The governor dissolves the legislature and holds a new election in the state if the party is unable to demonstrate a majority in these ten days.

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