Chandigarh: Ctrl+Delete- Saini’s command helped BJP to ‘Undo’ nine years of anti-incumbency in six months.
Nayab Singh Saini’s journey from a small village in Ambala to becoming the two-time chief minister of Haryana is nothing short of extraordinary. From working as a computer operator to leading the BJP to consecutive victories, Saini’s story is a blend of ambition, hard work, and strategic politics, marking him as one of Haryana’s most prominent political leaders.
Born into a modest family of soldiers and farmers in Mizapur Majra, a small village near Ambala, Saini’s rise highlights his determination and BJP’s strategic gamble in backing him. Besides his OBC background and close association with his mentor, former chief minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, Saini also seemed to have luck on his side. This fortunate combination allowed him to outpace several prominent party leaders and secure the top post not just once, but twice within a span of six months.
Saini’s caste made him a natural fit for the BJP’s strategy of balancing Jat and non-Jat representation, in the state which was historically ruled by several Jat stalwarts. This move paid off in a big way. Under his leadership, BJP secured an unprecedented third consecutive term in the October 2024 Assembly elections, winning the highest, 48 out of 90 seats, beating the anti-incumbency of two-tenures.
Born in 1970, Saini had humble beginnings. His father, Telu Ram Saini, was a soldier. After retiring, his father worked as farmer in his village and in 2005, tragically passed away from a heart attack. Those close to Saini recall that growing up in a family with small landholdings; he lived a simple life, grounded in the realities of rural existence. His upbringing, shaped by the dual experiences of farming and military life, gave him a deep understanding of the struggles faced by Haryana’s rural communities.
“Nayab was very hardworking from a young age and worked in the fields as a farmer,” shared Suresh Pal, his cousin, who still resides in their village. In 1992, Saini left home, forging a close bond with Manohar Lal Khattar, who was then an RSS Pracharak. Their relationship grew into one of “Guru-Chella,” with Khattar playing a pivotal role in Saini’s political journey.
A law graduate from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut, Saini’s education equipped him with legal knowledge that supported his political ambitions. In 1996-97, Khattar assigned Saini the responsibility of managing a computer at the BJP office in Rohtak—a computer reportedly given to by none other than Narendra Modi. Impressed by Saini’s growing interest in party work and dedication, Khattar helped him advance within the organisation. In 2002, Saini was appointed District Secretary of the BJP Yuva Morcha in Ambala, marking the beginning of his political ascent.
He gradually moved up the ranks, later becoming the district president of the youth wing and eventually the Ambala district president.
However, his first major election attempt in 2009 from the Naraingarh constituency ended in failure, finishing fifth with only 8,082 votes and losing his security deposit. Despite the setback, Saini did not give up. He continued his grassroots efforts and was finally elected as an MLA from Naraingarh in 2014, marking the start of his political rise.
In 2015, he was appointed as the Minister of State for Labour, Employment, Mines, and Geology in the Haryana government. His influence grew further when he won the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat in 2019, solidifying his standing within the BJP.
Saini’s career took a major leap in October 2023 when he was appointed as the president of the BJP’s Haryana unit. This promotion positioned him at the forefront of the party’s leadership, largely due to his close ties with Khattar and strong connections within the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In a surprising yet calculated move, Saini was named Haryana’s Chief Minister in March 2024 after Manohar Lal’s removal. His victory in the Karnal by-election in May 2024, where he won by a margin of 41,450 votes, showcased his growing popularity among the people.
Despite being in office for a very short period in his first term, Saini made his mark by focusing on inclusive governance, emphasising education, employment, and healthcare improvements, especially for marginalised communities. His efforts have strengthened BJP’s rural connect in Haryana, securing a loyal voter base. Just five months later, his leadership not only led BJP to another victory in the Assembly elections, but also cemented the party’s base in the state by winning 48 out of 90 seats and earning nearly 39.94% of the votes.
On the personal front, Saini maintains strong familial ties. His wife, Suman, is politically active and associated with BJP Mahila Morcha in Haryana. Though she lost the 2022 Zila Parishad elections, she continued to support her husband’s political endeavours, and led an extensive campaign in Ladwa when her husband was campaigning for other candidates. They have two children: Aniket, who is pursuing law, and Vanshika, who is in 12th grade. Saini’s 70-year-old mother, Kulwant Kaur, lives in his native village.
However, Saini’s political journey has not been without hurdles. As he begins his second term, he faces mounting internal pressures within the party and challenges from political rivals. Striking a social balance and addressing farmers’ concerns will be uphill tasks that could define the success of his tenure and fulfilling promises made in the election manifesto.
Key milestones in Nayab Singh Saini’s career
• 2005: Became BJP Yuva Morcha Ambala district president.
• 2009: Fought his first Assembly election from Naraingarh; faced defeat.
• 2014: Won Naraingarh Assembly seat; became Minister of State.
• 2019: Won Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat.
• October 2023: Appointed Haryana BJP president.
• March 12, 2024: Took oath as Chief Minister of Haryana.
• October 8, 2024: Led BJP to a historic third consecutive victory in Assembly elections.
• October 17, 2024: Took oath as second term as Chief Minister.