Strike 3 For ML Khattar But Haryana Change Of Guard Unlikely, Say Sources

Mangalore Today News Network

Chandigarh, Aug 26 2017:  After 31 people were killed and over 250 injured in clashes in Haryana following self-appointed spiritual guru Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh’s conviction in a rape case, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s office denied reports on Saturday that he has been summoned to Delhi.

BJP chief Amit Shah has cancelled his public meeting in Delhi today but there is no confirmation that it is linked to the Haryana clashes.

Sources rule out any change of guard for now, but reports suggest the BJP, acutely aware of demands for Mr Khattar’s removal, is upset over another instance of deadly mismanagement flagged even by the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The court said Mr Khattar’s government had failed to maintain law and order by allowing such a large build-up of Ram Rahim’s "premis" as they call themselves, at Panchkula - where the rape verdict was announced - and other towns.

Mr Khattar has acknowledged that there were gaps. The "lapses have been identified and we are taking appropriate steps," he said, adding: "This should not have happened." But in another statement, he also appeared to shield Ram Rahim’s followers as he said criminals had infiltrated the crowd of Dera Sacha Sauda devotees.

The Union Home Ministry in Delhi assessed Mr Khattar’s handling critically.

Questioned on the scale of violence despite security preps, Home Minister Rajnath Singh - who cut short a foreign visit - said he "had been told by both Chief Ministers (of Haryana and Punjab), that they had taken enough precautions".

Mr Khattar, a first-time lawmaker chosen by the party to lead Haryana’s first BJP government in 2014, has confronted similar doubts about his leadership in the past. In 2014, five women and a child were killed in a clash when the police went to arrest another self-professed "godman" Rampal in Hisar.

Last year, 30 people were killed in Haryana during violent protests by Jats, who were demanding a greater share of quotas in government jobs and education. In both instances, Mr Khattar was accused of allowing a build-up of unruly elements.

Courtesy: NDTV