Manohar Lal: CM decision lies with BJP board, not individuals, amid Anil Vij’s claim

Bhiwani (Haryana) [India], September 16 (ANI): Union Minister Manohar Lal, responding to claims made by senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Anil Vij, stated on Monday that such decisions are not made by an individual but by the parliamentary board, after considering the views of the entire party.

“Every leader has the right to express their opinion. There is no issue with that. However, it is not the decision of a single person. The parliamentary board makes the decision after understanding the views of the whole party. Our Home Minister has clearly said that Nayab Singh Saini will be our Chief Minister,” said Manohar Lal.

Notably, on Sunday, Anil Vij staked his claim for the Chief Minister’s post ahead of the Haryana Assembly election, citing his seniority while speaking to ANI. He asked the party to consider him for the role of CM.

“I am the most senior MLA of the BJP in Haryana. I have contested elections six times. I have never asked the party for anything. However, on the demand of the people, I will claim the designation of CM based on my seniority this time,” Anil Vij stated.

Vij also acknowledged that the final decision rests with the ‘high command.’ “It is up to the high command whether they will make me CM or not. If they do, I will change the picture of Haryana,” he added. Anil Vij is the BJP candidate from the Ambala Cantt Assembly constituency.

When asked about Congress’s claims of winning the assembly polls, Manohar Lal said, “Congress may say anything, but the people know how to respond. They will compare what we have achieved over the last 10 years. Neither Congress’s words nor ours will matter… BJP will form its government for the third time with a full majority in Haryana.”

Voting for the 90-member Haryana legislative assembly will be held on October 5, with the last date for filing nominations being September 12. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. In the 2019 assembly polls, the BJP emerged as the single largest party with 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats.