TNFNew Delhi/ TNF
Union Energy Minister and former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar campaigned in the Siwan town of the Guhla Assembly for BJP candidate Kulwant Bajigar on Friday. During his visit, Khattar responded to BSP leader Mayawati’s statement about appointing two deputy chief ministers if the BSP-INLD alliance wins the Haryana Assembly elections on October 5.
Khattar took a dig at Mayawati’s ambitious political claims, stating, “First, let her become a chief minister, and then we can talk about deputy chief ministers.” He referred to Mayawati’s past promises of appointing four deputy chief ministers, emphasizing the need for realistic aspirations in politics.
Mayawati had announced during a rally in Uchana on the occasion of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal’s 111th birth anniversary that if the BSP-INLD alliance succeeds, INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala would be the chief minister, accompanied by two deputy chief ministers—one from the Dalit community and the other from either OBC or forward caste groups.
Khattar further pointed out the paradox in Mayawati’s remarks, suggesting that those who speak about becoming deputy chief ministers should first focus on achieving the position of chief minister. He implied that the push for a deputy chief minister position is premature if the initial goal of winning the chief ministership remains unfulfilled.
In her address, Mayawati also advocated for a caste-based census, criticizing both the Congress and the current BJP-led government for avoiding the issue. She stated, “For the country’s welfare, I demand a caste-based census, which has been neglected by previous governments.”
Abhay Singh Chautala, present on stage, also made promises aimed at uplifting the community if the alliance comes to power. His commitments included free cooking gas cylinders, cash assistance of ₹1,100 to families, free electricity, and the restoration of the old pension scheme. Additionally, he vowed to provide free medical treatment for those needing to travel to other states for care and promised 100 square yards of land to the poor.
With voting set for October 5 and counting on October 8, the political landscape in Haryana is heating up as parties make their final appeals to voters.
