After three Independent MLAs withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party government in Haryana earlier this week, the Jannayak Janta Party and the Indian National Lok Dal on Thursday wrote to the Governor seeking directions for an immediate floor test to determine the majority of the government or the imposition of President’s rule in the State.
Jannayak Janta Party leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, whose party had remained absent during the voting on a confidence motion for the BJP government in March, said in his letter to the Governor that his party did not support the BJP government and was open to backing any political party in the State for government formation.
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His letter to the Governor came a day after he offered to “consider” outside support to the Congress in Haryana to topple the BJP government.
‘Must prove majority’
Referring to the withdrawal of support by three Independent MLAs and two Assembly seats falling vacant, Mr. Chautala said in his letter that “given these developments and the clear stance of my parry - i.e. JJP, which does not extend its support to the present government and is open to backing any other political party for government formation, it is evident that the incumbent government no longer commands a majority in the legislative assembly”.
Saying that there was an urgent need to “reinstate stability” and “uphold democratic norms” in Haryana, Mr. Chautala, the Uchana MLA, sought directions to the present State government under Article 174 of the Indian Constitution to prove its majority on the floor of the House or the imposition of President’s rule.
INLD secretary general and the party’s lone MLA Abhay Chautala too wrote to the Governor seeking directions to the BJP government to prove its majority.
‘MLA parade needed’
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said that the JJP must parade all 10 of its MLAs before the Governor amid reports that some of them had turned rebels. He said that the Congress had sought an appointment for its delegation to meet with the Governor in view of the prevailing political situation, adding that his party would also parade all 30 of its MLAs before the Governor.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini said that his government had proved its majority just over a month ago and could prove it again if required, but noted that the Opposition seemed to be in a hurry. He advised Mr. Chautala to instead worry about the Lok Sabha election as he had lost the faith of the people.
