Nayab Singh Saini likely to return as Haryana CM with two deputies: Sources
New Delhi: Following the BJP's strong performance in the Haryana Assembly elections, speculations are rife regarding the composition of the new state government. Sources indicate that Nayab Singh Saini is poised to return as Chief Minister, with the potential support of two deputy chief ministers.
This development is consistent with a growing trend across Indian states, where the appointment of multiple deputy chief ministers is becoming increasingly common. In the aftermath of last year's elections, seven out of nine states that went to the polls appointed deputy chief ministers, including Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Nagaland.
The recent elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin as Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has also contributed to this trend, bringing the total number of states with such positions to 15 and the overall count of deputy chief ministers to 24.
The Indian Constitution does not explicitly provide for the role of deputy chief ministers. While the position holds the same rank as a cabinet minister in terms of pay and perks, it carries substantial political weight, particularly in coalition scenarios. The Constitution's Articles 163(1) and 164(1) outline the structure of the Council of Ministers and the appointment of ministers but make no reference to the role of deputy chief ministers.
However, the post has increasingly been used to ensure political stability, address leadership crises, and balance caste and community dynamics. For instance, Bihar has two deputy chief ministers, Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, appointed after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s return to the NDA fold.
On February 12, 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the appointment of deputy chief ministers. The top court concluded that the position is fundamentally ministerial, asserting that the title of deputy chief minister is more of a label without legal implications regarding equality under Article 14.
Many states, particularly under BJP governance, have adopted the model of appointing one chief minister and two deputy chief ministers. However, Gujarat remains an exception, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel opting not to appoint any deputy since assuming office in 2021.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
