In Shah’s presence, Nayab Saini chosen CM-elect, oath today

Nayab Singh Saini was on Wednesday unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Haryana, paving the way for his swearing-in as the Chief Minister in Panchkula tomorrow. Hours later, Saini (54) called on Governor Bandaru Dattatreya at Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government.

At the BJP legislature party meeting in Panchkula, Saini’s name was proposed for the top post by Narwana MLA Krishan Bedi and seconded by Anil Vij, the senior-most and seven-term legislator from Ambala Cantt.

Home Minister Amit Shah, who along with Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was the BJP’s central observer for the meeting, announced Saini as the unanimous choice for legislature party leader as only one name was proposed.

Central Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, who too was present, and Vij had thrown their hats in the ring for the CM’s post. A subdued Vij, however, claimed he had never aspired for any post within the government and was ready to even serve as a “chowkidar (watchman)” for his party. Inderjit, who reached the venue when the meeting was already underway, avoided the media.

Central ministers Manohar Lal Khattar and Dharmendra Pradhan, also the Haryana poll in charge; co-in charge Biplab Kumar Deb and state affairs in charge Satish Punia too were present.

“Today is an auspicious day for the BJP and the people of Haryana. Our MLAs unanimously gave the responsibility of the Chief Minister's post to Saini,” Shah said, crediting the Narendra Modi government's policies for the BJP’s third consecutive victory in Haryana.

Shah asserted that the Haryana results had surprised political pundits. “Everyone in Delhi had thought the mandate would be against the BJP,” he said.

An OBC face, Saini had replaced Manohar Lal Khattar as the Chief Minister on March 12, 2024. The BJP secured an unprecedented hat-trick in Haryana, winning 48 seats in the 90-member Assembly. The Congress won 37 seats.

Saini said the BJP government would take everyone along and work for the development of state and the country. “We will fulfil all promises made to the people,” he said, adding that as promised, appointment letters would be handed over to 24,000 newly recruited youths before the swearing-in tomorrow. The ceremony will be conducted at the Dussehra Ground in Panchkula, with Prime Minister Modi, central ministers and chief ministers of NDA-ruled states, among others, expected to be present.