The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana faced a setback as three Independent MLAs declared on May 7 that they have revoked their support for the government led by Nayab Singh Saini in the state.
The three MLAs -- Sombir Sangwan, Randhir Gollen, and Dharampal Gonder -- also announced their decision to back the Congress party during the elections.
They made the announcement during a press conference held in Rohtak, in the presence of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and State Congress Chief Udai Bhan.
Gonder stated, "We are withdrawing support to the government. We are extending our support to the Congress." He further added, "We have taken this decision on various issues, including those related to farmers."
Udai Bhan also addressed the press, stating, "Nayab Singh Saini government is now a minority government. Saini should tender his resignation as he does not have right to stay even for a minute".
"We were elected as Independents because we genuinely supported the BJP. However, with inflation and unemployment soaring, and farmers and laborers facing hardships, we have decided to withdraw our support", Gollen stated, reported PTI.
CM Saini, reacting to the withdrawal of support, stated, "I have received this information. Maybe Congress is engaged in fulfilling some people's wishes now. Congress has nothing to do with the wishes of the public", in an interaction with the media, ANI has reported.
In the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the BJP previously enjoyed the support of seven Independent MLAs, bringing its total to 48 seats, just above the majority mark in the 90-member assembly.
However, with the withdrawal of support from three Independent MLAs, the BJP and its allies' combined strength now stands at 45 seats, one short of the majority mark.
The unexpected resignation of Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister on March 12 led to Saini being swiftly sworn in as his successor.
Disagreements over seat-sharing arrangements for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections caused a rift between the BJP and Dushyant Singh Chautala's Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), which holds 10 seats in the Haryana Legislative Assembly.
Meanwhile, the Congress currently holds 32 seats in the state assembly.
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