Vij defies BJP diktat, throws hat in ring for CM’s position

Former Haryana Home Minister and six-time MLA Anil Vij today staked claim to the Chief Minister’s post in case the BJP romps home in the Assembly elections, saying he was the senior-most MLA of the party in the state.

Vij said despite being so senior, he had never asked for anything from the party.

He said, “This time, there is huge pressure from the people of Ambala Cantonment and from across Haryana. People are coming to me…wherever I go, they ask me why I never became the Chief Minister despite being the senior-most leader.”

“This time, based on seniority, I will stake claim to the CM’s post. Whether the party makes me the CM or not is its prerogative, but in case it does, I will change the face and fate of Haryana.”

Vij’s decision to throw his hat in the ring for the CM’s post boosted the morale of his supporters. Soon after the former Home Minister made the announcement, his supporters raised slogans in his favour.

He was among the front-runners for the post of CM even in 2014 when the BJP came to power.

Speaking to The Tribune, Vij said, “I have never asked for any post in the past. Even today, I have expressed the desire of the people of Haryana as they want me to at least stake my claim to the post. The decision is to be taken by the high command. I have been doing my job for the public and the party.”

Vij, famous for holding janata darbars, was considered one of the most powerful ministers in the Khattar government, but his troubled relations with the former CM made headlines many a time. Vij was not happy with the change of guard in Haryana and even skipped the oath-taking ceremony of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

He expressed displeasure openly a number of times, wasn’t part of Nayab Saini’s Cabinet but stayed with the party and restricted his functioning for the party to Ambala Cantonment.

“Over the past 10 years, Ambala Cantonment has witnessed unprecedented development. I never make false promises and keep working for the welfare of the people of Ambala,” Anil Vij said.

He presented his report card today and mentioned various projects, including the Civil Hospital, cancer centre, Shaheedi Smarak, domestic airport, canal-based water supply, sub-division status and storm-water project.