Harshita Rai
GG New Bureau
New Delhi, 17th Oct. When the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) selected Nayab Singh Saini as the new chief minister of Haryana in March, many observers were skeptical. The political landscape seemed rife with anti-incumbency sentiments, and a mere change in leadership was not expected to sway the electorate. However, Saini has proven the naysayers wrong by successfully steering the BJP to a remarkable third successive term in the heartland state.
Saini, a low-profile OBC leader, took the reins from the established strongman Manohar Lal Khattar, making his swearing-in ceremony on Thursday a moment of significance for both him and the party. Though not a household name in the traditional sense, Saini has emerged as a pivotal figure in Haryana’s political arena, deftly altering public perception in a state many expected to lean towards the Congress.
In the recent assembly elections, the BJP won a decisive 48 out of 90 seats, aided by the support of three Independents, including Hisar MLA Savitri Jindal. Born on January 25, 1970, in Ambala’s Mirzapur Majra village, Saini’s political journey spans over three decades, during which he has held various roles within the Haryana BJP. His trajectory from local leader to chief minister exemplifies his ability to connect with the electorate.
Saini’s rise to prominence is particularly noteworthy given the backdrop of Khattar’s nearly decade-long tenure, which was marred by criticisms related to farmers’ issues, unemployment, and rising inflation. After Khattar’s resignation and subsequent vacancy of the Karnal assembly seat, Saini seized the opportunity, winning the seat in a bypoll held alongside the Lok Sabha elections in May.
Faced with the challenge of the Model Code of Conduct shortly after his appointment, Saini wasted no time in making his mark. His cabinet made critical decisions, including the implementation of the Haryana Agniveer Policy, aimed at providing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for Agniveers transitioning from military service. Additionally, the BJP committed to purchasing a staggering 24 crops at minimum support price, underscoring its dedication to farmers in the region.
Saini’s administration also unveiled initiatives such as the ‘Har Ghar Grahani Yojana,’ which promises cooking gas cylinders at an affordable rate, and pledges of financial assistance for women and guaranteed government jobs for Agniveers. These populist measures resonated with voters, positioning the BJP as a proactive and responsive government.
The ruling party’s campaign effectively highlighted alleged corruption and unfulfilled promises during Congress’s rule in other states, all while Saini traversed the state to emphasize the BJP’s accomplishments. His confidence, despite predictions from exit polls, reflected an unwavering belief in his party’s connection with the electorate. Saini famously remarked, “Aath tareekh (Oct 8) ko janata degi jawab, aur yeh (Congress) kahenge EVM hai kharab,” underscoring his conviction that the people would support the BJP.
In a departure from traditional practices, the BJP made a bold declaration that Saini would remain the chief minister if the party secured victory, despite competition from other party stalwarts like Anil Vij. His unanimous election as the leader of the BJP legislature party by fellow MLAs, including Vij, signals strong internal support.
Nayab Singh Saini’s journey from an unassuming party worker to chief minister embodies a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptability. As he assumes leadership in Haryana, his challenge will be to consolidate this victory and maintain the BJP’s momentum, particularly among the OBC community and non-Jats, while addressing the pressing issues facing the state. The road ahead will test his mettle as a leader, but if recent events are any indication, he may well rise to the occasion.
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