On January 27, Haryana’s senior minister Anil Vij shared the stage with Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Chandigarh as the latter celebrated 100 days of his government, highlighting unprecedented development. However, just days later, Vij stirred controversy within the BJP by criticizing Saini, alleging that the Chief Minister had been “soaring in his ‘Udan Khatola’ (helicopter) ever since taking office.”
A Public Rebuke for the CM
Vij, a seven-time MLA, voiced his frustration openly:
“Our CM has been on a helicopter since the day he became the CM. He will only understand the pain of the people when he steps out of it. This is not just my concern—it is the voice of all MLAs, MPs, and ministers.”
His remarks embarrassed the BJP government, which had been focused on showcasing its achievements. The Opposition quickly seized the opportunity, accusing the government of being disconnected from ground realities and controlled by an overbearing bureaucracy.
Underlying Frustrations
Vij’s latest criticism seems to stem from multiple grievances:
- Non-compliance with his orders – At a recent grievance committee meeting, he was reportedly frustrated over officials ignoring his directives.
- Lack of action against his political rivals – Vij has been demanding action against officials and politicians who allegedly tried to defeat him in the last Assembly elections and even orchestrated an attack on him.
- Being sidelined within the party – Despite being one of the most senior BJP leaders in Haryana, Vij feels he has not been given due recognition in the government.
In response to his outburst, the Haryana government swiftly transferred the Ambala Deputy Commissioner in an attempt to pacify him. However, Vij remained defiant, declaring:
“I cannot be silenced. I will continue to fight for the rights of my voters in Ambala Cantt.”
A Long History of Clashes
Vij’s differences with the BJP leadership are not new.
When former CM Manohar Lal Khattar was replaced by Nayab Singh Saini in March last year, Vij had quietly opposed the move. During the party’s internal discussions, he even walked out of the meeting where Saini’s name was proposed and initially refused to join his cabinet.
In the lead-up to the 2024 Assembly elections, Vij, along with Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, positioned himself as a chief ministerial candidate—despite the BJP’s clear decision to back Saini. Realizing he was outmaneuvered, Vij eventually supported Saini’s appointment but remarked that he was a “loyal party worker” willing to serve even as a chowkidar (watchman) if required.
Struggles for Power in the Cabinet
Despite being appointed as the No. 2 in Saini’s cabinet on October 17, 2024, Vij was denied the Home portfolio—his preferred ministry—and had to settle for the Power and Transport departments.
His confrontations with previous CM Khattar were also well known. In Khattar’s first term (2014-2019), their strained relationship led to Vij being stripped of control over the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) while he was the Home Minister. During Khattar’s second term (2019-2024), Vij refused to approve Health Department files for nearly two months after a bureaucrat close to Khattar held a meeting without informing him.
In both cases, the BJP high command had to intervene to broker peace.
Will the BJP High Command Intervene Again?
With the BJP leadership currently occupied with the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, it may take some time for them to address this latest internal crisis. Meanwhile, CM Saini and the BJP top brass have chosen to downplay Vij’s remarks, hoping the issue will fade on its own.
However, as history has shown, Vij is not one to remain silent for long. Whether the Congress plays an active opposition role or not, Anil Vij has taken it upon himself to keep his own government on edge—yet again.