Nayab Singh Saini, a prominent figure in Indian politics, has been serving as the Chief Minister of Haryana since March 12, 2024. A member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Saini led his party to a historic victory in the October 2024 Haryana Assembly elections, securing 48 out of 90 seats. Known for his leadership skills and strong commitment to the BJP’s principles, he has quickly risen to prominence, carving a significant niche in Haryana’s political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 25, 1970, in Mizapur Majra, a small village near Ambala, Haryana, Nayab Singh Saini hails from a Haryanvi Mali family with roots in Mangoli Jattan, Kurukshetra. Raised in a modest environment, Saini developed deep connections with his community and its cultural values, which would later influence his political career.
Saini’s academic journey was driven by determination. He earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from B.R. Ambedkar Bihar University in Muzaffarpur, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. This legal education equipped him with the knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of governance and lawmaking in his political career.
Political Career
Nayab Singh Saini’s entry into politics began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he established strong ties with influential leaders, including former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Saini first contested the Haryana Legislative Assembly elections in 2009 from the Naraingarh constituency but faced defeat. However, his persistence paid off in 2014 when he won the seat and served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) until 2019. During this tenure, Saini held key positions, including Minister of State for Labour and Employment and Mines and Geology.
In 2019, Saini’s political career shifted to the national stage when he won the Kurukshetra Lok Sabha seat as a BJP candidate. His growing influence within the party led to his appointment as the President of the Haryana BJP in October 2023, a role that further cemented his leadership within the state.
Chief Ministership and Leadership
On March 12, 2024, Saini was appointed as the Chief Minister of Haryana following the resignation of Manohar Lal Khattar. Under his leadership, the BJP achieved a historic victory in the October 2024 Assembly elections, solidifying his position as a central figure in the state’s governance. Saini was re-elected as the Leader of the BJP Legislature Party on October 16, 2024, confirming his role as Chief Minister for a second term. His swearing-in ceremony was scheduled for October 17, 2024.
As the Legislature Party Leader, Saini is tasked with representing the BJP’s interests in the Haryana Assembly, coordinating legislative strategies, and ensuring that the party’s policies align with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His focus on economic development and welfare programs is expected to guide the state’s future direction.
Key Initiatives Under Saini’s Leadership
Saini’s governance reflects his dedication to addressing the needs of marginalized communities, particularly Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Scheduled Castes (SCs). Some of his notable initiatives include:
- Increased Expenditure Limit for Gram Panchayats: Responding to long-standing demands from Sarpanch Associations, Saini’s government increased the expenditure limit for Gram Panchayats from ₹5 lakh to ₹21 lakh in July 2024. This increase allows Panchayats to secure sufficient funding for village-level projects without the need for e-tenders.
- Reduction of Electricity Tariffs: Saini eliminated the minimum charges on electricity consumers, ensuring bills reflect only actual electricity consumption. He also launched the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna, a subsidy scheme to install rooftop solar plants for low-income families. The state government contributes ₹50,000 on top of the central subsidy of ₹60,000, ensuring that poor families can set up solar plants at no personal cost.
- Affordable Housing Schemes: In July 2024, Saini’s government launched the Mukhyamantri Seheri Awas Yojna, targeting urban residents from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS). The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹1.5 lakh to eligible families for constructing permanent homes, alongside a 30-square-yard plot for each beneficiary.
Personal Life
Nayab Singh Saini is married to Suman Devi, and they have two children. Despite his demanding political career, Saini remains deeply connected to his family and is known for his approachable and humble demeanor.
Achievements and Political Legacy
Throughout his career, Nayab Singh Saini has achieved several milestones that have made him a pivotal figure in Haryana’s political arena. His key accomplishments include:
- Successfully leading the BJP to its best-ever performance in the Haryana Assembly elections.
- Promoting social welfare initiatives and outreach programs for marginalized communities.
- Strengthening the party’s organizational structure and voter engagement during his tenure as state BJP president.
- Advocating for cow protectionism while maintaining a balanced stance on violence prevention, in line with BJP ideologies.
Summing Up
Nayab Singh Saini’s rise from a grassroots political worker to the Chief Minister of Haryana is a testament to his determination, strategic acumen, and commitment to the welfare of his state. His leadership in the BJP, coupled with his focus on inclusive development, continues to shape Haryana’s political landscape as he embarks on his second term as Chief Minister. Saini’s approach to governance—centering on economic progress, social welfare, and infrastructural development—marks him as a key figure to watch in Indian politics.