Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who beat anti-incumbency to ensure the BJP government got a third term in the state, will likely continue in the top post.
Amid speculations that the new government will take oath on Saturday, there seem to be no strong contenders for the post, other than Saini. The BJP leadership too have heaped praise on Saini after the results came in, suggesting that Saini would continue in the post. While BJP president J P Nadda congratulated Saini for the victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi too asserted that it was Saini's policies and administrative skill that earned the BJP a victory.
Saini was picked to replace Manohar Lal Khattar around 200 days ahead of the election. Khattar too seemed to bat for Saini after the elections as he told reporters that the "high command has announced Nayab Singh Saini as the Chief Minister, though the final decision will be taken by the parliamentary board."
However, there are reports that senior BJP leader Anil Vij and Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh too have expressed a desire for the post. Singh, during the election campaign, said the people wanted him to the Chief Minister. "This is not just my personal wish but a desire expressed by the people," he said.
With Saini's position more or less intact, the focus has shifted to who all would be inducted into the new Cabinet. The deliberations have already begun with BJP in-charge Dharmendra Pradhan and co-in-charge Biplab Kumar Deb holding meetings at the residence of Khattar.
There are rumours that the Cabinet will feature some new faces, except for veteran leaders Anil Vijj and Moolchand Sharma, who is a member of the outgoing Cabinet.
A cabinet minister in Manohar Lal's second term and Saini government's first term, Sharma's performance as a minister has been hailed. His presence could also earn the support of the Brahmin community.
Two-time MLAs Vipul Goyal and Rajesh Nagar have joined the race for the ministerial post. Goyal who has been representing the Faridabad seat since 2014 has to his credit a huge public support, thanks to the development work he undertook in his constituency. As for Nagar, an MLA from Tigaon, his work within the party and grassroots support have earned him the praise of BJP leadership, according to local media.
Mahipal Dhanda, who won again from Panipat Rural, is also on the list of probable ministers.
The daughter of Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh, Aarti Rao, is also being considered since she hails from the South Haryana region, where BJP won 10 out of 11 seats. She is also a young face.
Former ministers Rao Narbir and Krishna Kumar Bedi are also being considered along with Ranbir Gangwa and Harvindra Kalyan.