Haryana Politics: Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat Stands Firm with BJP Government

Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat has affirmed his unwavering support for the BJP government in Haryana, led by Nayab Singh Saini, until the end of its term. Despite initial dissatisfaction with some officers, the government’s assurance of action has satisfied him. Rawat's support counteracts opposition claims of minority governance.

Putting to rest speculation that he might withdraw support from the BJP government in Haryana, Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat affirmed Thursday that he will back the Nayab Singh Saini dispensation unconditionally until the end of its term.

The Prithla MLA, reportedly discontented earlier with the actions of certain officers, told PTI, ''The government has assured action in this regard and I am satisfied with its response.'' Over a phone call, he revealed that some officers were allegedly operating against the government and public interests.

Emphasizing his ongoing support for the BJP government, Rawat stated, ''I cannot leave the BJP. It has been my principle in life to stand by someone and not run away like a coward.'' He added that occasional issues do arise but confirmed, ''My support to the government continues as before. It is unconditional and will last till the end of the term.''

Presently, Rawat and the lone Haryana Lokhit Party MLA Gopal Kanda lend their support to the ruling BJP in the state, with assembly polls set for later this year.

If Rawat had withdrawn his backing, it would not have immediately endangered the Saini government but would have bolstered the Opposition’s claims of the government being a ''minority government.'' The state BJP has faced similar accusations since three Independent MLAs withdrew their support in May.

In the 90-member Haryana Assembly, with 87 effective members at present, the BJP holds 41 seats, Congress 29, JJP 10, and INLD and HLP one each, with five Independent MLAs.

Last month, in May, the opposition JJP sought the disqualification of its MLAs Ramniwas Surjakhera and Jogi Ram Sihag for alleged anti-party activities. Both MLAs professed support for BJP, and recently, Speaker Gian Chand Gupta rejected the Congress' plea to disqualify Kiran Choudhry, who, along with her daughter Shruti Choudhry, resigned from Congress and joined the BJP.