Haryana BJP in Turmoil: Anil Vij Faces Show Cause Notice for ‘Gaddaar’ Remark Against CM Saini

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana has issued a show cause notice to state minister Anil Vij on Monday, requesting his explanation within three days regarding his recent public comments directed at party president Mohan Lal Badoli and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The notice, dispatched by Haryana BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli, demands a response within three days, mentioning concerns about the potential harm to the party’s reputation during election periods.

In the notice written in Hindi, Haryana BJP president Badoli stated, “It is communicated that you have recently made public remarks against the party (state) president (Badoli) and the chief minister’s position. These are serious allegations that violate the party’s policies and internal discipline.”

What did Anil Vij say about Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini?

Earlier this February, Anil Vij shared several images, asserting that “workers” alongside a “friend” of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini were also seen with an Independent candidate whom he successfully defeated in the previous state assembly elections.

“Ashish Tayal, who claims to be a friend of Nayab Saini, has numerous pictures with Nayab Saini on Facebook. The same workers who appeared with Ashish Tayal during the (October) assembly elections have also been spotted with the BJP’s opposing candidate Chitra Sarwara,” Vij commented in a post along with the images on X.

“‘Yeh rishta kya kehlata hai?’ [What do we call this relationship?] Tayal continues to be Nayab Saini’s close friend, so the question arises, who prompted him to oppose the BJP candidate?” Vij remarked.

The video shared by Vij featured chants of “gaddaar” in the background.

Vij alleged that there was a conspiracy aimed at ensuring his defeat in the October elections from the Ambala Cantt seat. He emerged victorious, defeating Independent candidate Chitra Sarwara, marking his seventh term as an MLA.

On January 31, Vij expressed that despite publicly raising the issue, no action had been taken against his detractors. “…Being the senior-most leader, I assert that attempts were made to defeat me; immediate action should have been taken… but after 100 days, nothing has happened,” Vij was quoted by PTI.

Vij previously criticized Saini, stating, “This remains a very serious issue. Our Chief Minister has not come down from the ‘udan khatola’ (chopper). Since taking office, he has remained on the ‘udan khatola’. If he were to land, he would witness the struggles of the people. This sentiment resonates not just from me but from all MLAs and ministers.”

What was CM Saini’s response?

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini asserted on Tuesday that Anil Vij, the Energy and Transport Minister, is not displeased with him, emphasizing that he is a senior party leader entitled to express his views.

“We participated in a cabinet (meeting on Tuesday) together. We also conducted a departmental review meeting,” Saini stated to reporters following a cabinet meeting on February 4. He further mentioned, “He is our senior leader. There is no narazgi (discontent)… He is entitled to speak,” Saini added.

When asked if Vij believed that officers were not adhering to his instructions, Saini responded, “That is not the case. All officers are compliant… Everyone has responsibilities. I bear mine, as do the officers,” Saini clarified.

What did Vij say about Haryana BJP chief Badoli?

Previously, Vij had stated that Badoli ought to resign as the state BJP president to uphold the “sanctity” of the party while he was investigated by the Himachal Pradesh police for rape allegations, until he was proven innocent.

Recently, six individuals, including a woman who accused Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal of rape, have been charged with extortion and criminal intimidation. In a related matter, the Himachal Pradesh Police has filed a cancellation report in court concerning the alleged gangrape charges against Badoli and Mittal.

(With contributions from agencies)