A month has passed since Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana’s chief minister, replacing his mentor, Manohar Lal Khattar. This dramatic turn of events included the BJP severing ties with its 2019 post-assembly poll ally, the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP). Saini, who was earlier a junior minister in the Khattar government and is now a Lok Sabha MP, was chosen by the BJP to substitute Khattar in a bid to overcome nine years of anti-incumbency before the Lok Sabha and assembly elections later this year. The inexperienced chief minister, who also serves as the state BJP president, faces a significant dual challenge: replicating the party’s 2019 feat of winning all 10 Lok Sabha seats in Haryana and winning his own assembly byelection from Karnal. He spoke to Hindustan Times on Monday, and here are some edited excerpts from the interview:
Question:
What’s your assessment of the electoral situation in Haryana’s 10 constituencies? What are the issues on which BJP is seeking votes – Brand Modi or state government’s achievements?
Saini:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has brought about systemic improvements across the nation. He is a brand and is talked about even in the remotest corners of the country. People recognize that the BJP government in Haryana is the one that cares about them. The fair and transparent recruitments done during the BJP’s rule in Haryana are unprecedented. This is a talking point among the people of the state – that one can get a government job ‘Bina Parchi, Bina Kharchi’ (without favor and money). I would like to mention some of the people-oriented schemes that have contributed to our success: Comprehensive Health insurance of Antyodya Units (Chirayu), 24/7 power supply, steps taken for women empowerment like promoting women self-help groups by providing them training and opportunities to earn, and ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao.’
Question:
Since the BJP has been in power in the Centre and in Haryana for almost 10 years, wouldn’t that mean a double anti-incumbency for the party in these elections?
Saini:
The BJP’s tally in the Lok Sabha increased from 282 in 2014 to 303 in 2019, indicating an increase in the people’s trust in the Prime Minister. After 10 years of rule, the numbers for the BJP in the 2024 elections are poised to increase further. The so-called anti-incumbency was also flagged in poll surveys during the Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh assembly polls in 2023, but the BJP proved these surveys wrong by winning all three states. This reiterates the fact that people are solidly behind the Prime Minister. And there are reasons for this: PM Modi’s impeccable delivery of benefits to the people, innovative measures taken by his government in public interest, and his fight against corruption.
Question:
The BJP was the first to declare its candidates in Haryana. Six of the 10 are former Congressmen, including one facing a CBI probe. How does this impact your workers’ morale?
Saini:
This is not entirely correct. These are just rumors being spread by Congress leaders. Our Gurugram candidate Rao Inderjit Singh and Bhiwani-Mahendergarh candidate Dharambir Singh are contesting their third Lok Sabha elections as BJP candidates. Both are two-time BJP MPs. How long can you keep on saying that they are outsiders with a Congress background? They are dedicated leaders of the BJP and are working to further Modi’s policies and vision. Our Hisar candidate Ranjit Singh Chautala had earlier joined the BJP but quit due to certain reasons. Ranjit, as an Independent legislator, has been supporting our government.
Question:
What about Naveen Jindal, who is a former Congressman and is facing a CBI probe?
Saini:
We are very clear on this. No one in the BJP, including the Prime Minister or former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, will make a compromise on the issue of corruption. Law will take its own course.
Question:
Your village and constituency are in Ambala district. Being pitchforked into Karnal seems to have a political disadvantage for you. How much are you banking on ML Khattar for the byelection?
Saini:
I have worked with Manohar ji for a long time and learned a lot. I have his unflinching support. It is the decision of the party from where one contests elections.
Question:
An internal party survey has pointed out that the BJP may face challenges in Hisar, Rohtak, Sirsa, Karnal, and Sonepat seats. How are you tackling this?
Saini:
There is no challenge in any Lok Sabha seat in Haryana. We will win 10 out of 10. In fact, our victory margin is set to increase this time. The Opposition is so jittery that a leader of one political party even gave a call to the entire Opposition to join hands to defeat the BJP.
Question:
BJP candidates have faced protests during the campaign. How much will this affect their prospects?
Saini:
Both the central and state governments have done a lot to improve the farm sector and conditions of the farmers. In fact, unprecedented reforms have been undertaken by the BJP governments in the farm sector after Independence. The protesting farmers have some demands, and the central government had entered into a dialogue with them. It is the government’s responsibility to look into their demands and fulfill them in a reasonable manner. Things need to be done step by step. Haryana is purchasing 14 crops at the minimum support price (MSP). The agitating farmers also need to look and evaluate what has been done for them in the neighboring states of Punjab and Rajasthan.
Question:
You recently spoke about extortion calls being made by gangsters. Why hasn’t the police been able to contain the gangs?
Saini:
It was brought to my knowledge that threat calls were being made by goons. We will deal with the matter very firmly. No perpetrator will be spared.
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