The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is poised to form the government in Haryana for the third consecutive term, with Nayab Singh Saini set to take oath as Chief Minister on October 17. The announcement was confirmed by Union Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who stated that the party had received approval from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the swearing-in ceremony.
The oath-taking event will take place in Panchkula, where the Chief Minister and his council of ministers will assume office. A 10-member committee, led by the Panchkula District Commissioner, has been appointed by the state’s Chief Secretary to oversee the arrangements for the ceremony.
Nayab Singh Saini, who hails from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), had previously met with Prime Minister Modi and other senior BJP leaders in New Delhi on Wednesday to discuss the transition of leadership. On Thursday, Saini also held talks with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the BJP’s election in-charge for Haryana, further solidifying his position as the party’s choice for Chief Minister.
The BJP secured a resounding victory in the Haryana assembly elections, winning 48 seats, its highest-ever tally in the state, and defeating the Congress by a margin of 11 seats. The Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) faced heavy losses, while the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) won just two seats.
Saini, who replaced Khattar as Chief Minister in March, is expected to lead the new government, which can have up to 14 ministers, including the CM. In the outgoing Saini-led cabinet, eight out of ten ministers lost their seats in the recent elections. Among those who won are Mahipal Dhanda, representing the Panipat Rural constituency, and Mool Chand Sharma from Ballabhgarh. Both leaders are seen as likely candidates for ministerial positions in the new government, with Dhanda representing the Jat community and Sharma, a senior BJP leader, serving as a Brahmin face.
The BJP had earlier indicated that Saini would continue as Chief Minister if the party won the elections, given his background and significant political support within the state.
Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are in full swing, with senior party leaders and the state administration coordinating to ensure a smooth transition of power.
