Haryana's Political Turmoil: JJP Demands Floor Test, Congress Seeks President's Rule

Haryana's political arena has been into a state of chaos as the ruling coalition government struggles with a crisis of confidence. The latest development has seen former Deputy Chief Minister and Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) leader Dushyant Chautala urging the Haryana Governor, Bandaru Dattatreya, to summon a session of the Vidhan Sabha and conduct a floor test. Chautala's move comes in the wake of three Independent MLAs withdrawing their support from the Nayab Singh Saini-led government, leaving it precariously short of a majority.

In a letter addressed to the Governor, Chautala cited Article 174 of the Constitution, emphasising that the present government no longer commands a majority in the House. He requested the Governor to direct the competent authority to call a session, failing which he may recommend the imposition of President's rule in the state.

Chautala's letter outlined the arithmetic of the current political scenario, noting that the Saini Government was formed with the support of six Independent MLAs. However, with three of them withdrawing their support and one resigning from the House, the government finds itself in a difficult position, necessitating a trust vote.

While the current government maintains that it faces no immediate threat and intends to complete its full term, the Opposition has intensified its efforts to unseat the ruling coalition. 

The principal Opposition party, the Congress, has joined the fray, demanding the imposition of President's rule in Haryana. Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, asserted that the Saini Government should resign on moral grounds, as it has lost its majority. Hooda further stated that the JJP leadership, along with its 10 MLAs, should meet the Governor, emphasising the collective strength of the opposition forces, which includes 30 Congress MLAs, 10 JJP MLAs, three Independent MLAs who have recently switched allegiance to the Congress, Independent MLA Balraj Kundu, and INLD MLA Abhey Chautala – amounting to a total of 45 MLAs out of the 88-member Assembly. 

Hooda announced that a Congress delegation of 30 MLAs would soon reach Chandigarh to meet the Governor and present their case. The ongoing political crisis in Haryana has raised concerns about the stability of the government and has fueled speculations about potential realignments or fresh elections in the state. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on the Governor's response and the subsequent developments that could reshape the political landscape of Haryana.