The new Haryana government will form a cabinet with up to 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister.
Chandigarh: Nayab Singh Saini will be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for his second term at a grand oath-taking ceremony on October 17. The event, scheduled for 10 AM at the Dussehra Ground in Panchkula, will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several senior BJP leaders and chief ministers from other states.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar confirmed the details, adding that the new cabinet ministers will also take the oath alongside Saini. The ceremony holds national significance for BJP’s strategy, with key leaders from the party expected to be present.
This marks Saini’s second term as Chief Minister. His first tenure began in March after Khattar stepped down to contest the Lok Sabha elections. Saini’s rise had initially surprised political observers, but BJP’s internal strategy of balancing caste equations played a critical role in his elevation.
The new government will focus on forming the Haryana Cabinet, which allows up to 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister. With only Mahipal Dhanda and Mool Chand Sharma from the previous cabinet retaining their seats, at least 11 new members will need to be inducted. The swearing-in was initially scheduled for October 15 but was moved to October 17 to ensure Prime Minister Modi’s presence, which is seen as symbolically important for BJP’s future electoral plans.
Khattar emphasised that the first cabinet meeting would focus on implementing the BJP’s election manifesto. “It has been the BJP’s tradition to deliver on its promises,” he said. He also highlighted how the Haryana Assembly election results might influence the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. “Elections are not isolated events. A win in Haryana sends a message that Modi ji’s policies resonate across the country,” he added. In the 90-member Assembly, BJP secured 48 seats, just shy of a simple majority, but gained crucial support from three independent MLAs, including Savitri Jindal. The Congress won 37 seats, while INLD secured two.
As the BJP gears up for the oath-taking, the focus will be on how the new cabinet is shaped and whether the government can balance governance challenges with community and caste dynamics.