Haryana faced a significant political upheaval on Tuesday as three independent MLAs withdrew their support from the BJP government, opting instead to align themselves with the opposition Congress party. The announcement came during a press conference in Rohtak, where Randhir Golan from Pundri, Dharampal Gonder from Nilokheri, and Sombir Singh Sangwan from Dadri declared their decision. They were joined by Rakesh Daultabad from Badshahpur, who was unable to reach the venue in time but was expected to join them.
Expressing disappointment with the BJP government’s performance, Dharam Pal Gondher highlighted issues such as rising unemployment and inflation. He emphasized their initial support for the BJP during the formation of the government but stated that their allegiance was contingent upon the leadership of Manoharlal Khattar. With Khattar no longer in power, they felt compelled to withdraw their support, particularly in the interest of the farmers.
Echoing similar sentiments, Golan emphasized the exacerbation of unemployment and inflation during the BJP’s tenure in Haryana as decisive factors in their withdrawal of support.
The Independent MLAs were reportedly dissatisfied after not being included in the Saini government. Former Haryana chief minister and Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda welcomed their decision, interpreting it as a lack of confidence in the current government and a growing endorsement of Congress among the populace.
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The three Independent MLAs formally informed the Haryana governor of their withdrawal of support from the BJP government. With the BJP possessing 40 MLAs and the support of only two Independent MLAs – Nayan Pal Rawat of Prithla and Rakesh Daultabad of Badshahpur – and Gopal Kanda of Haryana Lokhit Party in the 88-member House, the government finds itself in the minority.
Udai Bhan, the state unit chief of the Congress party, announced at the press conference that the three Independent MLAs had withdrawn their support from the BJP government and pledged their allegiance to Congress. He underscored that the present strength of the Haryana Assembly stands at 88 members, of which the BJP holds 40 seats. With the JJP MLAs also withdrawing support, the Saini government is now considered a minority government. Bhan called for Saini’s resignation, asserting that he no longer holds the mandate to govern.
