ML Khattar's resignation, BJP-JJP split: What is happening in Haryana?

Manohar Lal Khattar

Ending days of speculation over reported differences in seat-sharing between the BJP and the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) - its alliance partner in Haryana, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has tendered his resignation to the Governor. Media reports say that the veteran leader may contest the Lok Sabha elections from Karnal.

The announcement comes a day after JJP leader Dushyant Chautala met the BJP president J P Nadda to discuss the seat-sharing among the two allies in the state. The sustainability of the alliance (BJP-JJP) was long in question over disagreements between the two allies over seat sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

Disagreement over seat-sharing

After Hisar BJP MP Brijendra Singh joined the Congress on March 10, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala’s Jananayk Janata Party (JJP) toughened its stance regarding seat-sharing. All the 10 Lok Sabha seats are now with the BJP.

According to reports, the JJP wanted to contest two seats. But BJP is not in favour of sharing seats with the JJP as it wants to contest all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana. Already two rounds of talks were held by the JJP coordination committee in this regard.

Also Read: Haryana Political Turmoil: Here are the key frontrunners in the CM's race

Will ML Khattar contest from Karnal Lok Sabha seat?

According to reports, the BJP is likely to field ML Khattar from the Karnal Lok Sabha seat, currently held by Sanjay Bhatia. There are also reports that the former chief minister may be fielded from Kurukshetra. Nayab Singh Saini is the sitting MP from Kurukshetra.

Revisiting 2019 Assembly results

In the 90-member Haryana assembly, the BJP has 41 MLAs, Congress 30 and JJP 10. Seven are Independents, while there is one MLA each from the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and the HLP.

In the Lok Sabha elections of 2019, the BJP had won all the 10 seats in Haryana. But in the state Assembly polls in the same year, the JJP won 10 seats. The JJP entered into an alliance with the BJP as the latter fell short of the majority mark by six to form the government