New Delhi, Mar 13:
In what promises to be a dramatic session, newly appointed Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today moved a confidence motion in the state Assembly seeking support from legislators. The special session convened on short notice kicked off with obituary references. CM Saini was greeted with a rousing welcome from treasury benches as he walked in accompanied by predecessor ML Khattar, indicating unity within ruling BJP ranks.
However, tensions seem to be simmering underneath with signs of dissent surfacing. Three rebel JJP MLAs, defying party diktat, made their way into the House raising eyebrows. Opposition Congress too smelled blood, demanding a vote through secret ballot while alleging that as many as five BJP members may rebel. Leader Bhupinder Hooda and MLA BB Batra cited lack of notice in seeking a brief adjournment but their plea was turned down.
Adding fuel to fire, Congress MLA Raghuvir Kadian called for President's rule arguing the state was in a state of flux and instability. With trust vote scheduled, all eyes will now be on whether CM Saini, who took charge just three days ago after a surprise government change, will prove his majority or face embarrassment of failing to win the confidence of the House. It remains to be seen if defections and cross-voting will play spoilsport for the ruling side in this high stakes assembly showdown.
