CM Nayab Saini Faces Constitutional Crisis Ahead of Elections

Haryana's political landscape is heating up as the state faces a unique constitutional challenge just months before the 2024 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Nayab Saini and his BJP-led government are caught in a dilemma over whether to call a monsoon session of the assembly or dissolve it altogether. 

According to sources, the government has written to the Election Commission seeking permission to hold a cabinet meeting on August 31. This crucial meeting is expected to decide whether to convene the assembly's monsoon session before September 12 or to dissolve the legislative body.

The constitutional crisis stems from the requirement to hold an assembly session within six months of the previous one. The last session was held on March 13, when newly appointed CM Nayab Saini won a vote of confidence. If no session is called by September 12, it could lead to a constitutional violation.

The BJP government seems reluctant to call the monsoon session, fueling speculation that they might opt to dissolve the assembly instead. This move could pave the way for early elections in Haryana. 

The 15th Haryana Legislative Assembly's term is set to end on November 3. With the Election Commission already announcing the election schedule – notifications on September 5, voting on October 1, and counting on October 4 – the political atmosphere in the state is charged.

Legal experts, including Advocate Hemant Kumar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, explain that Article 174(1) of the Constitution mandates that the gap between two assembly sessions should not exceed six months. This puts the government in a tight spot.

The situation is further complicated by five ordinances issued by the Governor under Article 213(1) of the Constitution. If the assembly is dissolved early, these ordinances will remain valid. 

The BJP recently secured a Rajya Sabha seat with Kiran Chaudhary's unopposed victory, which may have influenced their strategy regarding the assembly's fate.

As The Haryana Story continues to follow this developing situation, all eyes are on the upcoming cabinet meeting. The decision made there could significantly impact Haryana's political future and the upcoming election dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and other parties vying for power in this crucial north Indian state.