New Delhi: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini is the BJP’s candidate for CM and the party is all set for a hat-trick of victories in the state under his leadership, asserted Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday. His statement came after senior BJP leader Anil Vij, earlier in the day, said he would claim the chief minister’s post if the party wins the October 5 assembly elections.
“While Vij may have expressed his personal view as a party worker, Nayab Singh Saini is the BJP’s chief ministerial face,” said Pradhan, who is also party’s in-charge for Haryana.
‘There is no restriction on making a claim’
Vij, a six-time MLA and former minister, had earlier stated his intention to claim the chief minister’s position due to his seniority, leaving it to the party to decide. “I have never requested anything from the party until now… People from Haryana approach me, particularly in Ambala, asking why I haven’t become chief minister despite my seniority. Based on the people’s demand and seniority, I will stake my claim this time,” he said.
When reminded that Saini has already been declared the chief ministerial candidate, Vij responded, “There is no restriction on making a claim. I will put forth my claim, and the party will decide.” He added, “Whether the party chooses me or not is up to them. But if appointed, I will transform Haryana’s ‘takdeer and tasveer’ (destiny and face).”
Vij was removed from the Haryana cabinet following Saini’s swearing-in as chief minister in March, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar. Known as ‘Gabbar’ for his stern administrative style, Vij’s impulsive temperament is believed to have contributed to his removal during the cabinet reshuffle. He had left the meeting in Chandigarh that elected Saini as BJP’s new Haryana chief minister.
‘The people still want me to be chief minister’
Vij is not the only BJP leader vying for the chief minister’s post; earlier this week, four-time Lok Sabha MP and Union minister Rao Inderjit Singh also staked his claim. Speaking after the nomination of Laxman Yadav in Rewari, Singh expressed his disappointment at not being named chief minister. “Nayab Singh Saini’s name has already been announced by Amit Shah. We must all respect the party’s top leadership decision… The people still want me to be chief minister. This is not just my personal wish but a desire expressed by the people,” Singh stated.
Singh, a seasoned Haryana leader with significant influence in the southern part of the state, pointed out, “Had southern Haryana not supported the BJP in the last two elections, Manohar Lal Khattar would not have become chief minister twice.”
Not only this, many leaders left the party after they were denied ticket to contest the upcoming polls in the state. Amid all this, Pradhan remained confidence that the BJP will secure a third consecutive term, citing strong enthusiasm among party workers for the assembly elections. “Given the last decade’s track record, we are poised to serve Haryana once more,” he concluded.
