NEW DELHI: Harvinder Kalyan, the three-time MLA from Gharaunda, is unanimously elected as the Speaker of the 15th Haryana Assembly. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini proposed Kalyan’s name, and his nomination received strong support from Cabinet Minister Ranbir Singh Gangwa. With this appointment, Kalyan has become the 18th Speaker of the Haryana Assembly.
Krishna Midha, the MLA representing Jind, has been selected as the Deputy Speaker, following a nomination from Cabinet Minister Krishan Lal Panwar, seconded by Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) MLA Ghanshayam Dass. This marks an increase in regional representation for Jind, as Midha is one of eight Punjabi-Khatri legislators elected in the latest assembly elections.
In a show of unity, Kalyan’s election was met with congratulations from both BJP and opposition MLAs, including Congress leaders such as former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, along with INLD representatives Aditya Devi Lal and Arjun Chautala.
Harvinder Kalyan, known for his long-standing association with the BJP, began his political career in the Youth Congress before joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to contest the 2009 elections. Although unsuccessful at that time, he joined the BJP in 2014, marking the start of his three-term winning streak from Gharaunda. While there was an earlier demand within party circles to see him appointed as a minister, Kalyan’s current election as Speaker signifies a prominent role for the veteran leader.
The recent Haryana Assembly elections saw the BJP secure 48 out of 90 seats, enabling the party to form the government for a third consecutive term. The Congress followed with 37 seats. Chief Minister Saini’s oath-taking ceremony took place in Panchkula, marking the official commencement of the new administration.
With Harvinder Kalyan assuming the Speaker’s position, and Krishna Midha as his Deputy, the BJP aims to maintain stability in the Assembly as it embarks on its third term in power.