The political tug of war regarding the Haryana assembly elections is increasing continuously. In this episode, former cabinet minister and MLA from Ambala Cantonment Anil Vij has made a big statement regarding the post of Chief Minister. On Sunday, he said, ‘Being the most senior in the BJP, I will demand that if the party comes to power, he should be made the CM.’ Vij, who has been an MLA for 6 times, is contesting elections from Ambala Cantt this time. Addressing the media at the election office, he presented the report card of his tenure. He also expressed his wish.
Anil Vij said that he has never placed any demand before the party before this. He said, ‘People are coming to me from my constituency and other places too. They say why I cannot become the Chief Minister despite being the most senior. So on the demand of the people and on the basis of my seniority, I raised my voice. I will put forward my claim to become the CM.’ The former Home Minister said that if the government and the party choose him for the top post, he will change the face of Haryana.
‘I have never asked for anything from the party till now but…’
Anil Vij spoke to PTI on the comments made during a conversation with reporters in Ambala. He said, “I am the most senior MLA of the party and have won six elections. I am contesting the seventh election. I have never asked for anything from my party so far. But, people from all over Haryana and my own constituency are meeting me. I will stake claim for the post of Chief Minister. The decision on this has to be taken by the party high command.” When he was told that Saini has already been declared the chief ministerial candidate, Vij said, “There is no ban on staking claim. I will stake my claim, the party will take whatever decision it has to take.”
What has been the stand of the BJP high command
However, even before this comment of 6-time MLA Anil Vij, BJP has made it clear that if it returns to power, Naib Singh Saini will remain the Chief Minister. Now only a few weeks are left for the elections, when asked about the timing of his decision, Anil Vij said that he took this decision after people came to meet him. It is worth noting that Saini was made the Chief Minister in place of Manohar Lal Khattar in March. Voting for Haryana’s 90 assembly seats will be held on October 5 and counting of votes will be held on October 8.
(With agency input)
