Haryana minister Anil Vij threatens fast unto death over officials 'not complying with his orders'
Ambala, Jan 30 (PTI): Haryana Minister Anil Vij on Thursday expressed strong displeasure over officials not complying with his orders and said that, for the sake of his Ambala Cantt constituents, he is prepared to go on a fast unto death like farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.
The 71-year-old senior BJP leader, a seven-time MLA from Ambala Cantt, told reporters here that he has stopped holding "Janta Darbar" in Ambala, which he used to conduct every Monday.
"I may not attend grievances redressal committee meetings either because my orders are not being implemented by the officials," Vij said.
"(Baki Haryana ka toh mujhe kuchh nahi lena…) I have nothing to do with the rest of Haryana, but the people of Ambala Cantt have elected me MLA seven times. For their work, even if I have to hold an agitation, I will do that. And if I have to go on a fast unto death like (farmer leader Jagjit) Dallewal, I will do that," Vij, the Transport and Energy Minister, said.
This is not the first time that Vij has expressed his displeasure with officials. In October, he had voiced frustration over the "absence" of some senior officers at a meeting he had called in Ambala.
Previously, Vij had often been at odds with Manohar Lal Khattar when he was Haryana's Chief Minister. Khattar is currently serving as a Union Minister.
When the BJP first came to power in Haryana in 2014, Vij, along with other BJP leaders like Ram Bilas Sharma, was considered a frontrunner for the CM's post. However, the party chose Manohar Lal Khattar, a first-time MLA at the time, as its CM candidate.
In March 2024, Vij expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP for not consulting him when the party decided to replace Khattar as chief minister and bring in Nayab Singh Saini instead.
Vij claimed he only learned about the change during a BJP MLAs' meeting in Chandigarh when Saini's name was announced.
In September 2024, just days before the Assembly elections, Vij stated that he would stake a claim for the chief minister's post if the party won.
"When Nayab Saini replaced Khattar, people asked, 'Why not Anil Vij?' Many from the state and my constituency met me regarding this…. I have always obeyed my party's orders, but I said, if the party makes me CM, I will change Haryana's 'takdeer and tasveer,'" Vij had said in September.
Vij had recently said that Mohan Lal Badoli, who was booked in a gang-rape case, should resign from the post of state BJP chief to maintain the "sanctity" of the party until he is proven innocent in an investigation by the Himachal Pradesh police.
Haryana BJP chief Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal have been booked after a woman alleged that she was raped by them in a hotel in Himachal Pradesh's Kasauli. Police have registered an FIR against them.
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India has more match-winners, its strength lies in middle and lower-order: Shahid Afridi
Dubai, Feb 21 (PTI): Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi firmly believes India is clearly the stronger side given that it has more match-winners compared to it's arch-rivals, and the best way to negate that advantage in the upcoming Champions Trophy marquee clash would be to put in a collective effort.
Pakistan are in a must-win situation when it takes on India here on Sunday after suffering a massive 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi. India, on the other hand, will come into the high-voltage contest on the back of a sure-footed performance against Bangladesh here on Thursday.
"If we talk about match-winners, I'd say that India has more match-winners compared to Pakistan. A match-winner is someone who knows how to win the game single-handedly. Right now, we don't have such players in Pakistan," former Pakistan skipper Afridi said on JioHotstar's 'Greatest Rivalry Returns' episode.
He said that India's middle and lower-order had played vital roles in the team's wins, while the same could not be said about Pakistan.
"India's strength lies in its middle and lower order, which has been winning them matches. For a long time, we have been giving opportunities to players, but no one has stepped up consistently.
"Some have performed in a few games, but we don't have players who have sustained their performance for a year, two years, or across 50-60 matches. That's where we are a little weaker compared to India, which is very strong in this area." Afridi said every player in Pakistan side will have to give his best in order to overcome the arch-rivals.
"The key to winning against India is collective performance -- whether it's the batsmen, bowlers, or spinners -- everyone's contribution is crucial." However, India's World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh felt Pakistan will have an edge as they have played a lot of their cricket in Dubai.
Pakistan were forced to play their home games in the UAE following the militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore in 2009.
"I actually think Pakistan has an advantage because they have a base in Dubai. They have played a lot of cricket there and understand the conditions well. On slower wickets, Indian and Pakistani players are among the best, who have always played spin well," said Yuvraj.
While agreeing with Afridi that India had more match-winners, Yuvraj added that adapting to the situation and not letting pressure overwhelm the cricketers would play a bigger role in the clash.
"You talk about match-winners - yes, I agree with Shahid Afridi that we have more match-winners. But I believe that even if Pakistan has fewer match-winners, one player can still take the game away.
"The India-Pakistan clash is not about match-winners alone; it's about playing in the moment, adapting to the situation, and not letting expectations overwhelm you. The team that does this better will win the game for their country," said Yuvraj.
He also said that skipper Rohit Sharma's form wasn't a big concern as he is a proven match-winner along with Virat Kohli.
"Rohit Sharma, whether in form or out of form, it doesn't matter to me. I would always back my match-winners. In ODI cricket, especially in white-ball formats, he has been India's biggest match-winner as a batsman, alongside Virat Kohli.
"If Rohit is struggling but still gets runs, that's dangerous for the opposition. If he's in form, he will score a century in 60 balls. That's his quality - once he gets going, he's not just hitting fours; he's clearing the ropes with sixes.
"He is also one of the best players of the short ball. Even if someone bowls at 145-150 kmph, Rohit has the ability to hook it effortlessly. His strike rate is always between 120-140, and on his day, he can single-handedly win you the game," added Yuvraj.
