As the BJP begins its historic third consecutive term in Haryana, CM Nayab Singh Saini faces no serious challenge as of now. But he will have to rein in some of his cabinet ministers and colleagues who apparently take pleasure in bashing the officers. A report by Pawan Kumar Bansal
The BJP has formed a government in Haryana for the third consecutive term after securing an incredible victory in the assembly elections. Though they were dependent on Dushyant Chautala-led JJP in the second term, this time CM Nayab Saini enjoys the confidence of PM Narender Modi and Union Minister,Amit Shah, besides support of fifty one legislators including three independents. Though Saini faces no serious challenge, he has to act cautiously and judiciously as people have high hopes from this government.
The biggest challenge before Nayab Saini is to tame his cabinet colleagues Rao Narbir Singh and Anil Vij who take pleasure in bashing the officers. After taking over as Cabinet minister Rao Narbir Singh, while addressing a meeting of Gurugram district officers, shouted at them “You have looted Gurugram during the last five years. Now, I will not allow this loot”. Interestingly, during the meeting, dozens of his supporters were also present and were making videos.
All senior officers including Vikas Arora, Police Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav were present when Narbir Singh was hauling the officers over the coal. Female officers, in particular, were feeling embarrassed. Narbir Singh called names of two officers belonging to a particular community and told them that he had received a lot of complaints against them.
Officers in Gurugram were posted either on recommendation of the then CM, Manohar Lal or of present one Nayab Saini. Thus, according to Narbir Singh, they have appointed those officers who allegedly indulged in ‘loot’.
Narbir Singh alleged that in a case of change of land use, even he was not spared, apparently alluding to the fact that he too had to pay a bribe to get the work done. Haryana Police and Anti-Corruption Bureau should register a case for probing serious allegations of corruption levelled by Narbir Singh. This is a very serious allegation and has been levelled publicly hence it becomes the duty of Police and ACB to take cognizance of it and record statements of Narbir Singh and he should also co-operate in the investigation. Admittedly, although Narbir was neither minister nor MLA during the last five years, he was a former minister and close to the then CM Manohar Lal.
Then why he didn’t bring it to the notice of the CM. It is rumoured that if Narbir Singh created the brouhaha to convey to the officers that now he is “super CM” of Gurugram and they should appease him if they have to survive.
Anil Vij, on the other hand, is claiming that DC, Ambala, tried to get him defeated in the just concluded assembly elections and now he will fix him.
Political analyst Devinder Surjewala said that if Anil Vij has any proof, he should have complained to the Election Commission of India. Munish Grover, former minister and close associate of Union Minister Manohar Lal, who was defeated in the recent assembly elections had threatened Rohtak SP Himanshu Garg of dire consequences ‘once elections are over’.
Furious over the inaction of Rohtak Police in taking action against certain Congress workers who had allegedly manhandled BJP’s female members, Munish Grover had stated, “Due to the model code of conduct, we are helpless. Once our government comes into power, I will teach you a lesson which you will remember for your whole life.”
Now, about the Chief Minister’s office. Principal Secretary to CM, V. Umashankar is going on central deputation and Chief Secretary T.V.S.N Parshad is retiring by the end of this month.
Presently, Rajesh Khullar, a retired IAS and close associate of Manohar Lal, is calling shots by holding the post of Chief Principal Secretary. There was seventy two-hour drama regarding his appointment. He was appointed Chief Principal Secretary but at midnight, his orders were kept in abeyance as three cabinet ministers objected to giving him cabinet rank. After two days, the orders were re-issued denying him the cabinet rank.
