In Chandigarh, Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala declared on Wednesday that if Leader of Opposition B S Hooda initiates actions to dismantle the Nayab Saini administration, his party would lend support to the endeavor.
The preceding deputy chief minister’s pronouncement followed the withdrawal of support from three Independent MLAs towards the Saini government. Should a motion of no-confidence be tabled against the Saini administration, Chautala affirmed they would cast their votes against the ruling regime.
“On the official record, I affirm that in the event of a floor test, our legislators will cast their votes to topple the government… JJP will issue a directive, urging a vote against it,” he declared. Presently, the BJP-led government, fortified by two additional Independents and the sole MLA of Haryana Lokhit Party, finds itself two votes shy of the requisite majority in the 90-member House, currently comprising 88 members.
Addressing Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Chautala asserted that judging by the current numerical scenario in the Assembly, should a move be made to oust the present government during the Lok Sabha elections, they would thoroughly consider lending their support from the sidelines.
“Now, it is incumbent upon the Congress to deliberate whether they will take steps to dislodge the BJP government,” he articulated. When queried about extending support to the Congress, he responded, “We are unequivocal in our stance that action should be taken to dismantle the government.”
He emphasized that the government has forfeited its majority, and either the chief minister should demonstrate a majority or resign on ethical grounds. Dismissing any prospects of aligning with the BJP post the dissolution of their alliance, Chautala reiterated, “I have made it abundantly clear that the JJP will not align with the BJP at present.”
Regarding the prospect of the BJP refraining from convening the House for a trust vote, Chautala hinted at the existence of multiple alternatives, including legal recourse. Three Independent MLAs, namely Sombir Sangwan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri), and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri), announced their withdrawal of support for the BJP government in Haryana on Tuesday, pledging their allegiance to the Congress, thereby reducing the Nayab Singh Saini government to a minority in the state assembly.
With two assembly seats, Karnal and Rania, lying vacant, the current House boasts an effective strength of 88 members. Presently, the BJP commands 40 MLAs, the Congress 30, and the JJP 10. INLD and Haryana Lokhit Party each have one member, while Independents account for six.
Commenting on the withdrawal of support by the three Independent MLAs, Chautala remarked on the frenetic political developments of the past day. “We insist that on ethical grounds, the CM should either prove his majority or tender his resignation,” he urged.
“We will implore and even correspond with the Governor, urging him to direct the government to establish its majority,” he affirmed. Reflecting on the JJP’s erstwhile alliance with the BJP, Chautala noted, “During our tenure of support to the government, such a predicament never arose.”
He underscored that the withdrawal of support by the three Independent MLAs signaled a weakening of the BJP’s position. “The claims made by the BJP regarding securing 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana, as well as the victory in the Karnal assembly bypoll, have been rendered feeble,” he remarked.
Regarding reports of certain JJP MLAs leaning towards the BJP, Chautala revealed that notices had been issued to three of them, mandating a response. “Three MLAs have been served notices, yet they have not tendered a reply. The party will take appropriate measures,” he asserted.
He clarified that adherence to party directives is obligatory for JJP MLAs, and those inclined towards other affiliations must resign beforehand. “There are legal provisions in place to address any instances of anti-party conduct,” he cautioned.
In the 2019 assembly polls, the JJP secured 10 seats, while the BJP clinched 40. Subsequently, they formed a coalition government in Haryana. However, the BJP terminated the alliance with the JJP two months ago.