Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: After securing a historic third consecutive win in Haryana, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has now shifted its focus to the crucial task of forming the new state cabinet, keeping in mind the delicate caste balance in this politically significant heartland state.
The newly-elected BJP legislators, numbering 48, are set to meet later today. However, it is the central leadership, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will play a pivotal role in finalizing the cabinet.
The Haryana government can have a maximum of 14 ministers, including Chief Minister-elect Nayab Singh Saini, who has already been granted a second term after meeting with Mr. Modi in Delhi on Wednesday.
Caste Dynamics Will Influence Cabinet Selection
The BJP will now need to fill 13 cabinet positions, with a particular focus on balancing caste equations. Only two returning MLAs, Mahipal Dhanda and Mool Chand Sharma, are likely to retain their positions, while the rest will be new faces.
Haryana’s political landscape requires the party to navigate caste demands from various communities, including Dalits, Jats, Yadavs, Brahmins, and others, to ensure a representative government. The BJP has successfully employed similar strategies in other states, like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where caste dynamics were key to government formation.
Key Dalit MLAs in the Running
The BJP has nine Dalit MLAs in this election, with senior leaders like six-time MLA Krishna Lal Panwar and two-time MLA Krishna Bedi leading the race for cabinet berths.
Punjabi-Origin Candidates and Anil Vij’s Ambitions
Among the eight MLAs of Punjabi origin is the well-known former Home Minister Anil Vij, a seven-time MLA. Despite earlier conflicts over not being chosen as Chief Minister, Vij’s Ambala Cantonment win places him in a strong position. Another candidate from the Punjabi community is Jind MLA Krishnan Middha, who won his seat for the third time.
Brahmin Representation
The Brahmin community is also well-represented, with figures like three-time MLA Mool Chand Sharma from Ballabgarh likely to be retained. Two-time Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sharma and Ram Gautam are also contenders.
Ahirwal Belt’s Importance
Six MLAs from the Ahirwal belt, a region that strongly supported the BJP, are crucial. Among them is veteran Rao Narbir Singh, a six-time MLA, and Aarti Rao, daughter of Union Minister Rao Indrajit Singh, who won her first seat in Ateli.
Jats in the Mix
Jat leaders like Mahipal Dhanda from Panipat and Krishna Gehlawat from Rai are in the race for cabinet posts. Shruti Chaudhary, daughter of MP Kiran Chaudhary, is another name under consideration.
Representation for Other Communities
Other possible candidates include ex-minister Vipul Goyal from the Vaishya community and Savitri Jindal, India’s richest woman, who recently offered her support to the BJP.
The Rajput community may be represented by Shyam Singh Rana, while Harvinder Kalyan may represent the Road community. Ranbir Gangwa, the previous Deputy Speaker, could represent the OBC community. Rajesh Nagar from Tigaon is likely to be the Gurjar representative.
