8 May 2024: In a significant political development, three Independent MLAs in Haryana, namely Sombir Sangwan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri), and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri), announced their withdrawal of support to the Nayab Singh Saini Government on May 7, 2024. This move has left the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in a precarious position, with the Congress party seizing the opportunity to demand the imposition of President’s rule in the state, citing the government’s diminished status to that of a minority.
The current composition of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, with an effective strength of 88 members, witnessed a further setback with the resignation of two seats. Former Chief Minister Manohar Lal vacated his seat in Karnal to facilitate Nayab Singh Saini’s appointment, while Independent MLA Ranjit Chautala from the Rania constituency resigned from his membership after joining the BJP. With the current assembly strength standing at 88, the majority mark rests at 45.
At present, the BJP holds 40 seats in the assembly, and with three Independent MLAs retracting their support, its tally has diminished to 37.
The three MLAs have also written a letter to the Governor. However, the BJP still maintains a fragile hold with the backing of two Independent legislators and the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) MLA Gopal Kanda. In March, the Saini-led BJP government secured a vote of confidence with the support of six Independents and the sole HLP MLA.
The BJP’s ascendancy to power in 2019 was marked by emerging as the single-largest party with 40 seats but falling short of a majority. Subsequently, an alliance with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which secured 10 seats, was formed to establish governance. However, in a turn of events, the BJP and JJP severed ties in March due to strained relations, further complicating the political landscape in Haryana.
