BJP government in Haryana loses majority as 3 independent MLAs support Congress
- In Reports
- 10:59 AM, May 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a significant blow to the BJP in Haryana during the Lok Sabha elections, the government led by Nayab Singh Saini lost its majority when three independent MLAs withdrew their support and went with the Congress.
The three MLAs -- Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen, and Dharampal Gonder -- also said that they have decided to extend support to the Congress during the elections.
They declared their decision at a press briefing conducted in Rohtak, alongside former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State Congress leader Udai Bhan.
Independent MLA Dharam Pal Gondher said, “...At the time when they needed our support to form the government we were called again & again...We had decided that till the time Manohar Lal Khattar was in power, we would support. We are sad that he is no longer in power...In the interest of the farmers, we withdraw the support to the government..."
Another independent MLA, Randhir Golan, who withdrew support to the Haryana government, said, “For the last 4.5 years, we extended support to the BJP. Today, unemployment and inflation are at their highest. Looking at this, we have withdrawn our support (to the government.)"
On being asked about reports of three independent MLAs wanting to withdraw support to the Haryana government and extend it to the Congress, Haryana Chief Minister and BJP leader Nayab Singh Saini said, “I have received this information. Maybe the Congress is engaged in fulfilling some people's wishes now. The Congress has nothing to do with the wishes of the public."
The Congress leader called for the immediate holding of assembly elections.
Following Manohar Lal Khattar's decision to step down from contesting the Lok Sabha elections and independent MLA Ranjit Singh Chautala's resignation to contest on the BJP ticket, the current composition of the Haryana assembly stands at 88 seats, with the majority threshold set at 45. Gopal Kanda of the Haryana Lokhit Party has pledged support to the BJP. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) holds 10 seats in the assembly. Notably, the JJP was previously aligned with the BJP-led government. The principal opposition, the Congress, commands 30 seats. The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) holds one seat (Abhay Singh Chautala) while there are six independent MLAs.
Now there are three more independents -Nayanpal Rawat, Rakesh and Balraj Kundu. If these MLAs support the BJP, then the party will have a total of 44 MLAs - (BJP 40+HLP 1+ 3 Independents) - which is one shorter than the majority mark.
Image source: ANI
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