Former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar addressed reporters regarding the absence of BJP leader Anil Vij from Nayab Singh Saini’s swearing-in ceremony, citing Vij’s tendency to get upset easily but later returning to normal.
Khattar’s remarks came after Vij chose to skip Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s oath-taking event on Tuesday, where, according to Khattar, Vij was supposed to be inducted into the cabinet.
“Ministers had to take oath today and his (Vij’s) name was on that (list). But he could not come,” Khattar informed reporters in Chandigarh, responding to queries about Vij’s potential candidacy for the post of Deputy Chief Minister.
When asked if Vij was upset, Khattar responded, “Anil Vij is our senior colleague. He sometimes gets upset easily, but he becomes normal later.” Khattar noted previous instances when Vij expressed dissatisfaction but eventually returned to a normal state.
“I spoke with him. He said he did not feel like coming (for the oath-taking event). We will speak to him. Nayab Saini ji will also speak to him,” Khattar added.
Earlier in the day, Vij had reportedly walked out of the BJP legislature party meeting where Saini was elected as the leader, displaying signs of displeasure.
Saini assumed office as the Chief Minister, succeeding BJP stalwart Khattar. The decision to introduce a new leader from within the BJP ranks comes just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections.
Khattar’s second term as chief minister was slated to conclude in October, coinciding with the scheduled assembly polls.
Vij’s apparent dissatisfaction stemmed from the party’s decision to elevate Saini, sidelining the Ambala Cantt MLA.