Nayab Saini's photo with oath event ad out in newspapers before key BJP meet

Traditionally, the BJP legislature party meeting finalises the leader's name after deliberation and consensus. However, with Nayab Saini's image and swearing-in details already made public, the announcement seems to be a mere formality.

In Short

• The ad lists details of swearing-in event, scheduled for 11 am on October 17
• Ad features photos of Nayab Saini and PM Narendra Modi
• BJP won 48 of the 90 seats in the Haryana assembly polls

Ahead of the Haryana BJP legislature party meeting on Wednesday, a government advertisement in newspapers featuring photos of Nayab Singh Saini and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has almost confirmed that the Ladwa MLA would return as Chief Minister for a second term. The advertisement, released by the government's public relations department, also lists details of the swearing-in event, scheduled for 11 am on October 17.

Following the BJP's record third consecutive win in Haryana, the legislature party is scheduled to hold a meeting to elect their leader on Wednesday. The BJP has appointed Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav as central observers for the meeting.

Traditionally, the BJP legislature party meeting, overseen by central observers, finalises the leader's name after deliberation and consensus. However, with Saini's image and swearing-in details already made public, the announcement seems to be a mere formality.

The ad features a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "I am confident that Haryana's role is going to become more important in the resolve of developed India." PM Modi is also likely to attend the swearing-in event.

The ad also lists details of the ceremony, which will be held at Dussehra Ground, Sector 5, Panchkula. The ad concludes with the message, "Once again, double engine government".

The BJP had contested the Assembly elections projecting Saini as the chief ministerial face. Saini, who was made the Chief Minister in March 2024 before the Lok Sabha elections, won the Ladwa seat in Kurukshetra district in the recently concluded Assembly elections.

His leadership during the poll campaign was seen as one of the major factors in the BJP securing 48 of the 90 seats and returning to power, defying exit poll predictions. Three independent MLAs have pledged their support to the BJP, strengthening its mandate.

In the run-up to the legislature party meeting, several prominent leaders, including former Cabinet minister and seven-time MLA Anil Vij and Rao Inderjit Singh, were considered contenders for the top job.

After the meeting of the legislative party today, a list of those MLAs who will be sworn in as Cabinet and state ministers will be submitted to the Governor. The Governor will then formally invite the new government to take the oath of office.

Apart from PM Modi, several Union Ministers, Chief Ministers from other BJP-ruled states, and allies from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony. Additionally, farmers and Lakhpati Didis have been invited to the event.