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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal announces retirement from tennis
Madrid (AP): Rafael Nadal announced Thursday he will retire from tennis at age 38 following next month's Davis Cup finals.
Nadal won 22 Grand Slam singles titles during an unprecedented era he shared with his rivals in the so-called Big Three, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
In an announcement on social media, the Spaniard indicated his decision was related to persistent injury problems.
“The reality is that it has been some difficult years, these last two especially. I don't think I have been able to play without limitations. It is obviously a difficult decision, one that has taken me some time to make. But in this life, everything has a beginning and an end,” Nadal said.
Nadal added he was “very excited” to finish his career at the Davis Cup, which will be played in Malaga, Spain.
Nadal has not played since the Paris Olympics, where he lost to old rival Djokovic in the second round of the singles tournament and reached the quarterfinals of the men's doubles with Carlos Alcaraz.
