Panchkula – In a remarkable demonstration of political resilience, Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time today, marking the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) historic third consecutive term in the state. Defying the prevailing anti-incumbency sentiments, the party secured an absolute majority in the Haryana Assembly, winning 48 of the 90 seats. Saini, a leader from the Other Backward Classes (OBC), first assumed the chief ministerial role in March this year, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar, who had served the state for over nine years.
His appointment was seen as a strategic move to counter the anti-incumbency wave that had begun to surface against Khattar’s long tenure. The grand swearing-in ceremony saw the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP's top brass, along with 18 National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chief Ministers, who gathered in Panchkula, close to the state capital of Chandigarh, to witness this significant political event. On the eve of his oath-taking, Saini, accompanied by Union Minister Shah, met with Governor Bandaru Dattatreya to formally stake their claim to form the new government after Saini was elected unanimously as the leader of the BJP legislature party.
Before assuming office, Saini and his wife, Suman, paid homage at Valmiki Temple in Panchkula, coinciding with the celebrations of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti. Saini emphasized his commitment to the public, stating, “My doors are open round the clock, and the common man can approach me with their issues.” Prior to the ceremony, he engaged with nearly 150 citizens at his residence, underlining his approachable leadership style. As Saini takes the helm once again, he has pledged to maintain transparency and to serve the people diligently.
He humorously referenced his promise to have traditional eco-friendly 'charpais' available for the public at his official residence, stating, “They have already been placed.” Saini’s rise in Haryana politics is a testament to his connection with the people. Prime Minister Modi praised his rapid ascent, highlighting Saini’s humility and accessibility. “Very few people can achieve this kind of popularity in such a small time,” Modi remarked during the election campaign. Having entered politics nearly 30 years ago, Saini has built a formidable presence. He was first elected as an MLA from Naraingarh in 2014 and joined the Cabinet in 2016. His leadership was crucial in the BJP’s victory, as evidenced by their gains in the recent elections, where the Congress party secured 37 seats and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) two.
The swearing-in ceremony, attended by approximately 50,000 supporters, showcased elaborate security measures and underscored the BJP’s stronghold in Haryana. Although Saini's earlier cabinet faced significant challenges, he remains steadfast in his vision for the state’s development, vowing to work in close collaboration with Prime Minister Modi to propel Haryana forward. As Haryana embarks on this new political chapter under Saini’s leadership, the focus will be on fulfilling the promises made to the electorate and addressing the various issues facing the state. With his reaffirmed dedication to the public and a strong majority backing him, Saini aims to solidify the BJP's legacy in Haryana politics.