In a high-profile political event, Nayab Singh Saini, a 54-year-old OBC leader, was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time on Thursday. The swearing-in ceremony, attended by top National Democratic Alliance (NDA) leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, took place amidst grand celebrations in Panchkula, just ahead of the Assembly elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand.
The BJP, forming its government for a record third consecutive term in Haryana, managed to secure a clear majority, overcoming anti-incumbency challenges. Along with Saini, a Council of Ministers, comprising 11 Cabinet ministers and two Ministers of State (Independent Charge), took the oath during the 45-minute event. Governor Bandaru Dattatreya administered the oath of office and secrecy to Saini and his ministers.
Prominent faces in the new Cabinet include seven-time legislator Anil Vij, a Punjabi-Khatri leader, and Krishan Lal Panwar, a six-time MLA representing the Scheduled Caste community. The new cabinet reflects a balanced representation of different social groups, including OBCs, Jats, Yadavs, Scheduled Castes, and Brahmins. Two women Cabinet ministers, Arti Rao and Shruti Choudhry, also took their oath. Both are first-time legislators, with Shruti Choudhry having recently joined the BJP along with her mother, Kiran Chaudhary, after leaving the Congress.
The oath-taking ceremony marked a significant political moment, with 18 NDA Chief Ministers in attendance. The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a petition challenging the swearing-in, stating that the court cannot interfere in the proceedings of an elected government.
With its newly formed Cabinet, the BJP aims to continue its governance in Haryana while gearing up for the upcoming elections in other key states.
