Pre-Oath Prayer Rituals Ahead of his second swearing-in as Haryana’s Chief Minister, Nayab Singh Saini, performed prayers at the Valmiki Temple in Panchkula. This was a significant moment for Saini, notably since the ceremony coincided with Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, a revered day for the community.
The Grand Ceremony in Panchkula On Thursday, Saini officially took the oath as Haryana’s Chief Minister in a high-profile event held in Panchkula. The event saw the presence of several key political figures, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior BJP leaders. Saini, a respected leader from the Other Backward Class (OBC) community, has returned to this role after first replacing Manohar Lal Khattar earlier this year.
Nayab Singh Saini Takes Oath as Haryana CM
Around 50,000 people attended the ceremony, which is a testament to Saini’s popularity. To accommodate the large crowd, security was intensified, and 14 LED screens were installed to ensure public viewing. The invitees spanned a wide range of representatives, including opposition leaders, farmers, influential “Lakhpati Didis,” and various social groups.
Post-Swearing-In Event: NDA CMs Meeting Following the oath ceremony, a critical meeting of National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Chief Ministers and Deputy CMs was scheduled. This gathering aimed to discuss pressing national development concerns and strategies for upcoming elections, specifically in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Additionally, the meeting would focus on commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, marking a critical moment for the ruling alliance to consolidate its position.
Key Highlights from the Swearing-In
Saini’s Leadership Continuation Nayab Singh Saini was sworn in as Haryana’s Chief Minister for the second time after successfully leading the BJP in the recent state elections. His earlier appointment in March of this year came after Manohar Lal Khattar’s term, and his leadership has been instrumental in solidifying BJP’s position in Haryana.
Ministers Sworn Into the Cabinet Several other key figures were also inducted into Saini’s new cabinet. These include:
- Anil Vij, an MLA from Ambala Cantt, belongs to the Punjabi Khatri community.
- Krishan Lal Panwar, representing the Scheduled Caste from Israna, Panipat.
- Rao Narbir Singh is an MLA from the Ahir and backward class (B category) community in Gurugram’s Badshahpur.
- Mahipal Dhanda is a Jat MLA from Panipat (rural).
- Vipul Goel, a Vaish community MLA from Faridabad.
Legal Framework for Cabinet Size
Under Article 164 (1A) of the Indian Constitution, Haryana’s council of ministers, including the Chief Minister, is limited to a total of 13 members. This ensures that the size of the state cabinet remains streamlined and efficient.
A Symbolic Gesture at Valmiki Temple Nayab Singh Saini’s visit to the Valmiki Temple on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti held deep symbolic significance. The BJP had faced criticism from the opposition for being anti-reservation during the Lok Sabha elections, and Saini’s act of offering prayers at the temple countered this narrative. In his own words, he expressed that it was a “matter of good fortune” to offer prayers on the birth anniversary of Maharishi Valmiki, a spiritual leader known for his message of social reform. He further extended his wishes to the people of Haryana on the occasion.
Road Closures for the Event To manage the massive crowd and ensure security during the event, certain roads around the Shalimar Ground in Sector 5, Panchkula, were temporarily closed. These included significant points like Bella Vista, Hafed Chowk, and other key intersections. The restrictions were in place until 3 PM on the day of the ceremony.
NDA Chief Ministers’ Conclave
Immediately after the swearing-in, a high-level NDA Chief Ministers’ meeting was set to take place in Chandigarh. The meeting brought together 13 Chief Ministers and 16 Deputy Chief Ministers from the BJP and its alliance parties. Among the notable attendees were Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. These discussions aimed to address ongoing development issues, including the “Samvidhan Ka Amrit Mahotsav,” and reflect on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, referred to by the BJP as the “attempt to murder democracy.”
Strategic Discussions for Upcoming Elections
The conclave was a pivotal moment for the NDA to strengthen its electoral strategy and project a united front ahead of crucial elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. With a focus on development and national unity, the alliance aimed to present a strong message against opposition coalitions in the upcoming political battles.
Drone and UAV Restrictions in Chandigarh As part of the security measures for the NDA meeting and the swearing-in ceremony, the Chandigarh administration declared the city a no-fly zone for drones and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from October 16 to October 18. This restriction did not apply to law enforcement agencies like the police, paramilitary forces, or other authorized personnel.
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