Huge setback for Haryana BJP as three independent MLAs withdraw support, govt in minority
Huge setback for Haryana BJP as three independent MLAs withdraw support, govt in minority
Three independent legislators (MLAs) from the northern Indian state of Haryana said Tuesday (May 7) they were withdrawing support to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in the state.
The three MLAs—Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen and Dharampal Gonder—also declared they were extending support to the Congress party.
This is seen as a major setback for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party as Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini-led government has now lost majority in the state.
“We are withdrawing support to the government. We are extending our support to the Congress,” Gonder declared in a press conference in Rohtak in the presence of former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state Congress chief Udai Bhan.
“We have taken this decision on various issues including those related to farmers,” he added.
Udai Bhan meanwhile asked CM Saini to tender his resignation as he claimed his government was now a minority government.
“I also want to say that present strength of (90-member) Haryana Assembly is 88, of which the BJP has 40 members. The BJP government earlier had support of JJP MLAs and Independents, but JJP had also withdrawn support and now Independents are also leaving,” he said.
“Nayab Singh Saini government is now a minority government. He should tender his resignation as he does not have right to stay even for a minute,” Bhan added.
He also urged that assembly elections should be held in the state immediately. Assembly elections are due in October in Haryana.
The total strength of the Haryana assembly is 90 and the majority mark is 46. As of now, BJP had the support of 47 MLAs (40 MLAs of BJP, Six independent MLAs and lone MLA of Haryana Lokhit Party). As the three independent MLAs have withdrawn support, the current strength of the Saini government has fallen to 44.
It means that the Saini administration is now a minority government.
(With inputs from agencies)