Chandigarh, Feb 4 (PTI) – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday sought to downplay growing tensions with Energy and Transport Minister Anil Vij, asserting that the senior leader was not upset with him. Saini, responding to recent public comments by Vij, emphasized that the latter had every right to voice his concerns as a respected member of the party.
The friction between the two leaders has been simmering for several days, with Vij repeatedly critiquing Saini. In particular, Vij raised alarm over the lack of action taken against those he believes played a role in his electoral defeat during the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. Vij, who retained his Ambala Cantt seat in October, suggested that a political conspiracy—possibly involving powerful figures—was behind the attempt to defeat him.
Asked whether he believed Vij was upset, Saini firmly denied the claim, stating, “There is no 'narazgi' (anger) from his side. We were together in the cabinet meeting today, and we also reviewed departmental work.” Saini further highlighted that Vij, as a senior leader, had the freedom to express his views, adding, “He is our senior leader. There is no 'narazgi'… He has the right to say what he feels.”
The ongoing exchange between the two ministers follows Vij's statement on Monday, where he posted pictures of workers seen with a friend of Saini, insinuating links to an independent candidate he defeated during the 2024 election. Vij’s allegations extended to the administrative level, claiming officers were not responding to his directives effectively.
Saini, however, downplayed this, saying, "All officers obey the responsibilities assigned to them. It is not the case that they are not listening." He reaffirmed that both he and the officers have clearly defined roles within the administration.
In recent weeks, Vij, a seven-time MLA, has been vocal about feeling sidelined within the party. He recently expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment, even suggesting that his seniority as a seven-time legislator could not be overlooked. “No one can take away my seniority. Everything can be taken from me, but not my seniority,” he said during a public address on Sunday in Rohtak.
Vij has also made headlines with his threat to go on a fast-unto-death in protest over the alleged neglect of Ambala Cantt’s needs, citing his frustration with officials not adhering to his instructions. His statements have sparked speculation about his political future, especially regarding his relationship with the party leadership.
Previously, Vij had been vocal about his disappointment when the BJP did not consult him during the 2024 decision to replace Manohar Lal Khattar with Saini as the Chief Minister. Vij, who had once been considered a top contender for the position, said he only learned of the leadership change during a BJP MLAs' meeting in Chandigarh.
The tension between Vij and the BJP leadership continued in September 2024, when he hinted at a claim for the Chief Minister’s post should the party emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. “If the party makes me CM, I will change Haryana’s fate and its picture,” Vij declared, fueling further speculation about his future ambitions within the party.
As these political dynamics unfold, the relationship between Saini and Vij will remain closely watched by both party insiders and political observers alike.
The friction between the two leaders has been simmering for several days, with Vij repeatedly critiquing Saini. In particular, Vij raised alarm over the lack of action taken against those he believes played a role in his electoral defeat during the 2024 Haryana Assembly elections. Vij, who retained his Ambala Cantt seat in October, suggested that a political conspiracy—possibly involving powerful figures—was behind the attempt to defeat him.
Asked whether he believed Vij was upset, Saini firmly denied the claim, stating, “There is no 'narazgi' (anger) from his side. We were together in the cabinet meeting today, and we also reviewed departmental work.” Saini further highlighted that Vij, as a senior leader, had the freedom to express his views, adding, “He is our senior leader. There is no 'narazgi'… He has the right to say what he feels.”
The ongoing exchange between the two ministers follows Vij's statement on Monday, where he posted pictures of workers seen with a friend of Saini, insinuating links to an independent candidate he defeated during the 2024 election. Vij’s allegations extended to the administrative level, claiming officers were not responding to his directives effectively.
Saini, however, downplayed this, saying, "All officers obey the responsibilities assigned to them. It is not the case that they are not listening." He reaffirmed that both he and the officers have clearly defined roles within the administration.
In recent weeks, Vij, a seven-time MLA, has been vocal about feeling sidelined within the party. He recently expressed dissatisfaction with his treatment, even suggesting that his seniority as a seven-time legislator could not be overlooked. “No one can take away my seniority. Everything can be taken from me, but not my seniority,” he said during a public address on Sunday in Rohtak.
Vij has also made headlines with his threat to go on a fast-unto-death in protest over the alleged neglect of Ambala Cantt’s needs, citing his frustration with officials not adhering to his instructions. His statements have sparked speculation about his political future, especially regarding his relationship with the party leadership.
Previously, Vij had been vocal about his disappointment when the BJP did not consult him during the 2024 decision to replace Manohar Lal Khattar with Saini as the Chief Minister. Vij, who had once been considered a top contender for the position, said he only learned of the leadership change during a BJP MLAs' meeting in Chandigarh.
The tension between Vij and the BJP leadership continued in September 2024, when he hinted at a claim for the Chief Minister’s post should the party emerge victorious in the upcoming elections. “If the party makes me CM, I will change Haryana’s fate and its picture,” Vij declared, fueling further speculation about his future ambitions within the party.
As these political dynamics unfold, the relationship between Saini and Vij will remain closely watched by both party insiders and political observers alike.
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