New Delhi: The three independent MLAs from Haryana – Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Singh Gollen and Dharampal Gonder – have been the centre of attention and controversy for the last 24 hours in Haryana. The three have withdrawn support from the Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP government, reducing it to a minority. However, the government remains in a safe zone for the time being as the opposition cannot call in the no-trust motion till mid-September, thanks to the rule that six months should elapse before a new trust motion can be introduced. The Saini government had won the confidence motion it brought on March 14.

The ruling BJP has the support of 43 MLAs in the 90-member House (current strength of 88). Apart from 40 of its own, it has the support of two independent MLAs and one MLA of the Haryana Lokhit Party (HLP) – Gopal Kanda. Since the majority mark is 45, the BJP is now two short of a majority.

Meanwhile, it would also be unfair to say that the Opposition Congress has the majority despite these three MLAs extending their support. Presently, Congress has 30 MLAs. Three makes it 33. And although Dushyant Chautala has extended the support of its 10 Janayak Janata Party (JJP) MLAs, it is a treacherous proposition. At least four JJP MLAs have rebelled against the party leadership and are inclined towards the BJP. In the case of a no-confidence motion, they are likely to favour the Saini government.

As a result, Chief Minister Saini has downplayed the crisis and said there was no threat to his government as it had ample support. He alleged that Congress was desperate for power and indulging in dirty politics.

At the same time, even though Congress is in no position to form a government, it will certainly like to build up the rhetoric around the BJP being a “minority or illegal government” and take some mileage out of it in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. Of the 10 seats in Haryana, Congress did not win even a single seat in 2019. Bhupinder Singh Hooda would like to have better figures this time.

Besides, the assembly elections in the state are due later this year. It makes no sense for Congress to even try forming the government for a couple of months. Congress would serve its purpose better if it goes to the people highlighting the shortcomings of the BJP government which has been in power for the last 10 years.

The Congress on Wednesday demanded implementation of the President’s Rule in the state.

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