Sun Sep 15 10:58:12 UTC 2024: ## Haryana BJP Faces Potential Crisis as Senior Minister Anil Vij Challenges Party’s CM Choice

Ambala, Haryana: A potential crisis is brewing within the Haryana BJP as senior leader and former Home Minister Anil Vij has publicly declared his intention to claim the Chief Minister’s post in case of a BJP victory in the upcoming state elections. Vij, a seven-time MLA and the party’s senior-most leader in the state, cited immense public pressure and his seniority as justification for his claim.

This declaration comes as a direct challenge to the party’s already announced decision to retain Nayab Singh Saini as the BJP’s Chief Ministerial candidate. While factionalism is common within political parties, open defiance of party leadership is rare, particularly for a party like the BJP that prides itself on its discipline.

Vij was previously considered a frontrunner for the CM post in 2014 but was ultimately passed over in favor of Manohar Lal Khattar, a close associate of Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He was again overlooked when Saini replaced Khattar in 2023. This latest move by Vij, who is contesting the Ambala Cantonment seat in the upcoming elections, signals a growing rift within the party.

The BJP leadership is now faced with a difficult situation as they navigate the potential backlash from Vij’s supporters and the potential for further division within the party. With the elections scheduled for October 5th, the BJP will need to find a solution quickly to prevent this internal dispute from affecting their chances of victory.

Read More