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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a resounding victory in the recent Haryana Assembly elections, leading to the swearing-in of Nayab Singh Saini as the state's Chief Minister for a second term on October 17, 2024. The ceremony, held in Panchkula, saw Saini and 13 other legislators taking the oath of office and secrecy, marking the beginning of a new political chapter for Haryana. The BJP's victory marks a third consecutive win in the state, cementing their dominance in the region.
The newly inducted Cabinet boasts a diverse representation, including two women ministers: Shruti Choudhry and Arti Singh Rao. Other notable figures taking the oath include Anil Vij, Arvind Kumar Sharma, Shyam Singh Rana, Ranbir Singh Gangwa, Krishan Bedi, Krishan Lal Panwar, Rao Narbir Singh, Mahipal Dhanda, Vipul Goel, Rajesh Nagar and Gaurav Gautam. The BJP's success in the election can be attributed to their successful outreach program targeting the Dalit community, evidenced by an increase in the number of seats won in the Scheduled Caste (SC) reserved category.
Prior to the swearing-in ceremony, Saini was elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party on October 16. The event coincided with ‘Valmiki Jayanti,’ a strategically chosen date by the BJP to project a 'pro-Dalit' image. This strategic move was further reinforced by the party's successful campaign to win over the Dalit electorate, resulting in the capture of eight SC reserved seats compared to five in the 2019 Assembly elections. The BJP's commitment to inclusivity and social justice was evident throughout the campaign, ultimately contributing to their landslide victory.
The swearing-in ceremony was graced by the presence of several prominent BJP figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Ministers from BJP-ruled states. This display of solidarity underscored the party's unity and commitment to the newly formed government. Despite an attempt to stall the oath-taking ceremony by a petitioner in the Supreme Court, the judiciary ultimately refused to interfere, recognizing the legitimacy of the elected government. The Supreme Court's decision solidified the BJP's mandate to govern Haryana, setting the stage for a new era of governance in the state.