BJP Issues Show Cause Notice to Haryana Minister Anil Vij for Criticizing Party Leadership

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has issued a show cause notice to Haryana Minister Anil Vij for making public remarks against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and state BJP president Mohan Lal Badoli. The notice, sent on Monday, was reported by news agency PTI.

The letter, written in Hindi by Badoli, stated, “It is informed that you have recently made public statements against the party (state) president (Badoli) and the chief minister’s post. These are serious allegations and are against the party’s policy and internal discipline.”

Following instructions from the BJP national president, the notice demands a written explanation from Vij within three days.

The Context of the Show Cause Notice

Recently, Anil Vij shared images implying that individuals associated with a “friend” of CM Saini were also seen with an Independent candidate who had contested against him in the 2024 state assembly election.

Vij secured victory from the Ambala Cantt constituency for the seventh time, defeating Independent candidate Chitra Sarwara.

BJP’s Concerns Over Vij’s Statements

The notice emphasized that Vij’s comments not only opposed the party’s ideology but also came at a crucial time when BJP was campaigning in a neighboring state.

“The move is not only against the ideology of the party, but it has also come at a time when the party was campaigning for elections in a neighboring state (Delhi),” the notice stated.

It further accused Vij of making statements that could harm the party’s image during an important election period. “During election time, while holding a respected ministerial position, you have made these statements knowing that they will harm the image of the party. This is completely unacceptable,” the notice mentioned.

Anil Vij’s Criticism of the Haryana Government

On January 31, Vij publicly criticized the lack of action against those he accused of attempting to defeat him in the elections. He pointed out that over 100 days had passed since he raised the issue, yet no action had been taken.

Taking a direct swipe at CM Saini, Vij remarked, “Since assuming office, he (Saini) has been on an ‘udan khatola’ (chopper). If he comes down, he will see the suffering of the people.”

A day earlier, on January 30, Vij expressed frustration over officials not following his orders.

He stated that for the welfare of his Ambala Cantt constituents, he was willing to go on a hunger strike, drawing a parallel to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s protest.

Demand for Badoli’s Resignation

Previously, Vij had demanded the resignation of Mohan Lal Badoli from his post as the state BJP chief after he was named in a rape case.

Vij asserted that stepping down would help maintain the “sanctity” of the party until Badoli was proven innocent in the ongoing Himachal Pradesh police investigation.

Six people, including the woman who had accused Badoli and singer Rocky Mittal of rape, were later booked on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation.

In a related development, the Himachal Pradesh Police submitted a cancellation report in court regarding the gang rape allegations against Badoli and Mittal.

According to Solan Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, the allegations were found to be untrue and lacked supporting evidence.

Vij’s Longstanding Frustration with BJP Leadership

Vij has had frequent conflicts with BJP leadership in Haryana, including during the tenure of former Chief Minister M L Khattar.

He was a strong contender for the chief minister’s post in 2014, along with leaders like Ram Bilas Sharma. However, the BJP chose Khattar, a first-time MLA, for the role.

When the party replaced Khattar with Nayab Singh Saini as CM in March 2024, Vij reportedly felt sidelined.

He later revealed that he only learned about the decision during a BJP MLAs’ meeting in Chandigarh, where Saini’s name was announced.

Vij’s Ambitions for the Chief Minister’s Post

Ahead of the October 2024 Assembly elections, Vij made it clear that he would stake his claim for the chief minister’s position if the BJP returned to power.

Anil Vij’s repeated public criticisms have resulted in the BJP issuing a show cause notice demanding an explanation within three days.

While the controversy continues, CM Saini has downplayed the issue, stating that Vij, as a senior leader, has the right to express his views. With elections on the horizon, the party will need to navigate this internal discord carefully.