In the political chessboard of Haryana, the tenure of Manohar Lal Khattar as Chief Minister was a saga of challenges met and victories celebrated. His leadership weathered storms, earning accolades both from the public and from his pal cum leader Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the helm of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana, the tenure of Khattar was marked by an unparalleled streak of victories. Under his stewardship, the BJP clinched triumph after triumph, emerging victorious in every electoral battle for a decade, including the recent civic polls.
Yet, the abrupt resignation of Khattar, merely a day after Modi's glowing tribute to him during inauguration of Gurugram section of Dwarika Expressway, left many perplexed. Was it merely a coincidence, or was there a deeper political calculus at play?
The Buckstopper has learnt that behind the scenes, a meticulously crafted plan was underway. PM Modi, with his astute political foresight, had already scripted the next move for Khattar. It was a strategic gambit, choreographed to pave the way for his ascent to greater prominence within the party ranks. The decision to nominate Khattar for the Lok Sabha elections from Karnal wasn't serendipitous — it was a strategic manoeuvre in the BJP's playbook for Modi's third term in India's top executive office.
The bond between PM Modi and Khattar transcended politics, rooted in shared experiences of campaigning across Haryana on a motorcycle. PM Modi's public acknowledgment of their journey together was more than just a nostalgic anecdote; it was a signal of things to come. “Not only have they spread the carpets but have slept on the same carpets for so many nights,” remarked a seasoned observer, reflecting on their relentless pursuit of the party's vision.
Analysts speculate that Khattar's resignation was a calculated move orchestrated by PM Modi himself. By relinquishing his role as Chief Minister, Khattar could be poised for a more pivotal position in Modi 3.0—a role designed to bolster the BJP's influence, not just in Haryana but across the nation.
For Khattar, governance was not just about wielding power but about upholding principles of discipline and ideology. Regardless of the role entrusted to him, he discharged his duties with unwavering commitment, never shying away from relinquishing power when the party deemed it necessary.
Senior journalist Sanjay Tyagi aptly captured the essence of the Khattar era, drawing a sharp contrast between the prevailing model of authoritarianism and the inclusive ethos championed by the Chief Minister. “In Khattar's Haryana, the principles of ‘Antyodaya'—ensuring the last person receives the benefits of governance—resonated deeply, transcending the confines of partisan politics” Tyagi comments.
Ram Kumar Kaushik is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience across mediums. The architect of this news website, he is also a consultant with several media groups. He was formerly the group managing editor of ITV Network (NewsX, India News and The Sunday Guardian) and its digital products.
