Senior Ministers Sidelined in Haryana's Key Purchase Committee

In what appears to be a significant political development in Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reorganized the state's High-Powered Purchase Committee (HPPC), notably excluding three of his most senior cabinet colleagues. This move has raised eyebrows in political circles and suggests a possible shift in the power dynamics within the state government.

The three senior ministers left out of the committee are Anil Vij (Energy, Transport and Labor Minister), Krishan Lal Panwar (Development and Panchayats Minister), and Rao Narbir Singh (Industries and Commerce Minister). Despite their high-ranking positions - second, third, and fourth respectively in the cabinet hierarchy - they have been passed over in favor of their junior colleagues. 

Instead, the committee now includes Mahipal Dhanda and Vipul Goel, who rank fifth and sixth in the cabinet. Dhanda oversees Parliamentary Affairs and Education, while Goel handles Revenue and Urban Local Bodies portfolios.

The HPPC plays a crucial role in state governance, being responsible for approving all government purchases and service contracts valued above Rs 5 crore. Chief Minister Saini will chair the committee, which also includes relevant department heads and financial officials. 

This reorganization follows another recent decision where former Home Minister Anil Vij was assigned relatively less significant portfolios, while CM Saini retained key departments including Home, Finance, and Excise.

Government officials have downplayed the changes, describing them as routine administrative matters. They emphasized that ministers will still be invited to HPPC meetings when their departments' matters are under discussion.