JJP leader Dushyant Chautala writes to Haryana governor, seeks floor test
Claims that recent resignations and withdrawal of support by Independent MLAs have plunged BJP government into a crisis
Days after three Independent MLAs withdrew their support to the BJP government, former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister and JJP leader Dushyant Chautala has written to the governor, demanding a floor test in the state assembly.
In a letter addressed to Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Chautala said the recent resignations and withdrawals of support have plunged the BJP government in a crisis. “I urge you to direct the appropriate authority to immediately call for a floor test to determine majority of government,” he said in his letter.
The development comes after three Independent MLAs – Sombir Sangwan (Dadri), Randhir Singh Gollen (Pundri) and Dharampal Gonder (Nilokheri) – declared their intention to snap ties with the BJP regime during a press conference in Rohtak. They were joined by Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and state Congress chief Udai Bhan.
May back Congress
“The government that was formed two months back is now in the minority because two of the MLAs who supported them – one from the BJP and the other an Independent MLA – have resigned. Three Independent MLAs, who were supporting them, have withdrawn their support and have written to the governor. The JJP has clearly said that if a no-confidence motion is brought against this government, we will support it. We have also written to the governor about it. Now, the Congress will have to decide if they are going to take any steps to corner the current BJP government or not,” Chautala told ANI.
A former ally of the BJP, the JJP leader was quite clear in expressing his party’s willingness to throw its weight behind an alternative government, signalling a potential alliance with the Congress.
Polls due in year-end
The fast-paced political developments in the state come at a time when Lok Sabha polls are just a fortnight away and assembly elections are scheduled to be held in October.
At present, the 90-member Haryana assembly has an effective strength of 88 with Karnal and Rania assembly seats being vacant. The BJP has 40 MLAs, the Congress 30 and the JJP 10 in the House. The INLD and Haryana Lokhit Party has one member each. Apart from these, there are 6 Independent MLAs. The government has the support of two of the Independent legislators.