Manohar Lal Khattar, a prominent political figure in Indian politics, served as the Chief Minister of Haryana from October 2014 to his recent resignation on March 12, 2024. His tenure was marked by various reforms and challenges, making him a key player in the state's political landscape.
Early Life and Political Journey
Born on May 5, 1954, in Nindana village of Rohtak district, Manohar Lal Khattar's early life was rooted in rural Haryana. Before entering politics, he had a successful career in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist, volunteer-based organisation. Khattar joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1994 and gradually climbed the political ladder, becoming the party's national executive member.
Chief Ministerial Tenure
Manohar Lal Khattar's ascent to the position of Chief Minister of Haryana in 2014 marked a significant moment in his political career. Under his leadership, the state witnessed several reforms and initiatives, including efforts to improve infrastructure, promote agricultural growth, and enhance law and order.
One of the notable initiatives during Khattar's tenure was the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, aimed at addressing gender imbalance and promoting the education of girls. Additionally, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a nationwide cleanliness drive, received attention in Haryana under his leadership.
Reason Behind Resignation
Despite his achievements, Manohar Lal Khattar's resignation in 2024 took many by surprise. The deterioration of the relationship between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala, stemmed from their inability to reach a consensus on seat-sharing for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state. Notably, the BJP had achieved success in all 10 Lok Sabha constituencies in Haryana during the 2019 elections.
Recent reports indicate that the BJP is hesitant to allocate two seats to the Dushyant Chautala-led party for the upcoming polls, preferring to contest all 10 seats independently. Independent MLA Nayan Pal Rawat asserted earlier on Tuesday that the alliance was on the verge of collapse. Nevertheless, some independent MLAs supporting the Manohar Lal Khattar government are anticipated to play a pivotal role in ensuring its continuity, as per news agency ANI. Currently, the BJP holds 41 seats in the 90-member House, while the JJP has 10. The ruling coalition also enjoys the support of six out of seven independent legislators, potentially positioning the BJP to form a new government in Haryana with the backing of Independent MLAs.
In the aftermath of the chief minister's resignation, both the BJP and the JJP leadership have convened separate meetings with their respective MLAs. Preceding these gatherings, Manohar Lal Khattar is set to hold a meeting of all BJP ministers at his residence.