A seven-time BJP legislator, Vij, who is the energy, transport and labour minister in the Saini-led BJP government on Monday took to X to post: “Ashish Tayal, who calls himself a friend of Nayab Saini, has many pictures with Nayab Saini on Facebook. The same workers who are seen with Ashish Tayal during the assembly elections are also seen with the BJP’s opposing candidate Chitra Sarwara. What is this relationship called? Tayal is still Nayab Saini’s best friend, so the question arises who made him oppose the BJP candidate? He had also sought action from the government against some officials for acting against him during the polls.
It may be recalled Chitra, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who had fought against Vij as an independent candidate, finished second in the Haryana assembly election held in October, 2024.
Pertinently, it is one of several swipes Vij has taken at Saini during the past about 10 days. His remarks come at a time when the Saini-government is celebrating 100 days in office.
On Sunday only, while claiming that not only people but even MLAs and ministers were unhappy with the ruling BJP government, Vij had advised the chief minister to listen to them. He had gone on to say that the chief minister could take away his ministerial post but his seniority as an MLA – given to him by the voters of his Ambala cantt constituency – could not be snatched. He added that he had not sought anything from the government nor taken the minister’s official residence or other facilities, except for a car.
Earlier, Vij had taken a dig at Saini saying that he (Saini) would come to know about people’s problems only if he got down from his helicopter (udan khatola). He had also threatened to sit on fast-unto-death over alleged non-compliance of his orders by the authorities. Notably, his remarks came in the backdrop of his demand for suspension of a police officer and an officer of the food and supplies department which had not been complied with by the government.
