Explainer: Why Anil Vij is miffed with state BJP leadership

With his recent “parallel BJP in Ambala Cantonment” remarks, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij has, once again, exposed an internal rift within his party, the BJP. The outspoken leader, who represents the Ambala Cantonment Assembly constituency, has been expressing resentment with party operations openly (in public and on social media), leaving the BJP in a tight spot.

 What concerns has Vij recently expressed?

In a post made on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Vij said: “In Ambala Cantonment, some people are running a parallel BJP with the blessings of those at the top. Write in comment box on what we should do. The party is suffering a lot of damage.” Last month, while addressing a party workers’ meeting, Vij had said, “In Ambala Cantt, some people are conspiring to break the organisation, but dedicated workers should not react emotionally. We will give our lives for the BJP, but we will not allow anyone to break the party. We must maintain our unity.”

 What other accusations has the minister made?

The BJP stalwart has accused some leaders, the administration and the police of working against him in the last Assembly election. He has also claimed that people close to Chief Minister Nayab Saini had supported his opposing candidate, Chitra Sarwara, in the election. In a social media post in February, Vij had said: “(Former District Treasurer) Ashish Tayal, who calls himself a friend of Nayab Saini, has many pictures with Nayab Saini on Facebook. The same workers who were seen with Tayal during the Assembly elections were also seen with BJP’s opposing candidate, Chitra Sarwara. Tayal is still Nayab Saini’s best friend, so the question arises who made him oppose the BJP candidate?”

What seems to be the reason behind the latest turmoil?

Last month, former Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel visited Tayal’s house, following which Vij’s supporters criticised Goel, leading to a war of words between the leaders’ supporters. After this, Tayal posted a picture with the CM on his social media account, which is believed to have added to Vij’s resentment.

What does Tayal say about the situation?

Tayal claims that there are no difference between him and the Cabinet Minister, and that issues between them are a thing of the past. The only purpose behind a recent meeting with the CM was to raise issues related to the industrial area, where Tayal owned two units, he added. The industrial area was flooded by overflowing the Tangri.

How has Vij’s relations been with CMs?

Vij was one of the most powerful ministers in Manohar Lal Khattar’s Cabinet. However, his troubled relations with Khattar often made headlines. After Nayab Singh Saini assumed charge as the CM, Vij had openly marked his resentment with the changes in government. Vij, notably, has termed Nayab Saini his “good friend”.