40 first-timers, 13 women among 90 members take oath in Haryana Assembly

Congratulating Harvinder Kalyan (57) on being elected as the Speaker, the chief minister praised his extensive experience, distinctive working style and admirable personal qualities such as “humility and discretion”. He expressed confidence that Kalyan would elevate the dignity of the post to new heights. Saini said, “Kalyan has been elected to the Assembly for the third consecutive time and possesses vast experience in political and social life. Over the past decade, he has diligently contributed to legislative work through his involvement in numerous parliamentary committees.” Congratulating Dr Krishan Lal Middha on his unanimous election as the Deputy Speaker, the chief minister said, “For the first time in Haryana’s history, an engineer has been elected Speaker and a doctor as Deputy Speaker.”

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks during the inaugural session of the 17th Lok Sabha, the chief minister recalled, “The Prime Minister said we do not wish to move forward merely on the strength of numbers but by taking everyone into confidence. This principle would serve as an ideal and guiding motto for every session of the House.”

Saini said, “Having been elected for, the third consecutive term, the current government has accepted its responsibility for public service. However, every member of this House is equally committed to public service.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to working in collaboration with all members, both from the ruling party and the Opposition. Saini said the present government would work to further accelerate the pace of ‘non-stop Haryana’ and the Opposition would also play an important role in this effort. “Suggestions from the Opposition that serve the public interest are always welcome. We will make every possible effort to meet the expectations, hopes and aspirations of the people,” he said.

Congratulating Kalyan, senior Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda appreciated his conduct in the past too. Assuring cooperation in the smooth functioning of the House, Hooda said, “The Speaker must ensure the Opposition should have its say.”

Meanwhile, the BJP has appointed Indri MLA Ram Kumar Kashyap as the party’s chief whip in the Vidhan Sabha.

After taking the oath, Phogat, who was put on a sports jersey, said, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Khiladi, Jai Naujawan and Jai Haryana.”

Congress MLA Jassi Petwar, who defeated former minister Captain Abhimanyu of BJP from Narnaund, and another Congress legislator Vikas Saharan said, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Samvidhan”.

After taking oath, INLD’s Dabwali MLA Aditya Devi Lal said, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.” Congress’ Gokul Setia said, “Inquilab Zindabad, Jai Hind, Jai Sirsa.” BJP’s Ganshyam Dass said, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyanand Jai Anusandhan.”

INLD legislator Arjun Chautala, who was wearing a dhoti, took oath in English while a few legislators like Ram Kumar Kashyap, Om Prakash Yadav, Ganshyam Dass and Cabinet minister Krishan Bedi took oath in Sanskrit. Most of the MLAs took oath in Hindi.