BJP zeros in on ML Khattar's name for Haryana's new CM

Chandigarh, Oct 21: Putting an end to speculations, the BJP on Tuesday appointed Karnal MLA Monohar Lal Khattar as the new chief minister of Haryana. The decision was taken in the BJP's legislative party meeting after the party got a majority on its own for the first time in Haryana. Khattar was elected leader of BJP Legislature Party.

The party made official announcement over the same in a press conference.

Addressing the media persons Khattar said, "I have been chosen by the party legislators and the BJP leadership for this responsibility. I can assure you that we will work for the welfare of the people of Haryana."

"My government will be transparent and there will be no discrimination with any area," Khattar, told media persons.Khattar, 60, will be the first BJP chief minister of the state, which was formed Nov 1, 1966.

Despite being a first-time legislator with no administrative experience, the BJP chose Khattar, who belongs to the Punjabi community, in the Jat-dominated politics of Haryana.

The swearing-in of the new chief minister and other ministers is likely to take place Oct 26.

The party's parliamentary board deputed union Minister Venkaiah Naidu and senior leader Dinesh Sharma as observers for the meeting in Chandigarh. All newly-elected 47 BJP legislators, the central observers and other senior Haryana BJP leaders attended the meeting.

RSS man Manohar Lal Khattar was the frontrunner for the CM's post in Haryana. Khattar enjoys the confidence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will be the second non-Jat CM of Haryana after Bhajan Lal, who belonged to Bishnoi community.

Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu arrived in Chandigarh on Tuesday to meet the newly elected MLAs.

Others who were in the race for the CM post were state BJP chief Rambilas Sharma, party spokesman Captain Abhimanyu, party's Kisan cell president Om Parkash Dhankar and also Ramesh Vij.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)