Haryana: Key leadership decision today

As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) gears up for the formation of its new government in Haryana, the party is set to hold a crucial meeting on Wednesday to formally elect its leader and stake claim to form the government.

This meeting will pave the way for the swearing-in of the new BJP government, slated for October 17. The leadership decision is being closely watched as party leaders intensify lobbying for key cabinet positions.

"On October 16, our central observers, Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, will hold a meeting with our newly elected MLAs," Nayab Singh Saini said, indicating that he is likely to be re-elected as the legislative party leader.

The BJP secured a majority in the recently concluded Haryana Assembly elections, and the meeting on Wednesday will finalize the leadership before the party stakes its claim to form the government. While Saini remains the frontrunner to retain his chief ministerial post, the race for cabinet berths has led to intense lobbying among party legislators.

The Haryana cabinet can accommodate 14 ministers, including the Chief Minister.

Party insiders suggest that 10 legislators are likely to be inducted in the first phase, with appointments made based on a careful balance of caste and regional representation.