THE INCREDIBLE RISE OF NAYAB SINGH SAINI

Ctrl+Delete-Saini's command helped BJP to 'Undo' nine years of anti-incumbency in six months.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Nayab Singh Saini's journey from a small village in Ambala to becoming the two-time chief minister of Haryana is nothing short of extraordinary. From working as a computer operator to leading the BJP to consecutive victories, Saini's story is a blend of ambition, hard work, and strategic politics, marking him as one of Haryana's most prominent political leaders.

Born into a modest family of soldiers and farmers in Mizapur Majra, a small village near Ambala, Saini's rise highlights his determination and BJP's strategic gamble in backing him. Besides his OBC background and close association with his mentor, former chief minister of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar, Saini also seemed to have luck on his side. This fortunate combination allowed him to outpace several prominent party leaders and secure the top post not just once, but twice within a span of six months.

Saini's caste made him a natural fit for the BJP's strategy of balancing Jat and non-Jat representation, in the state which was historically ruled by several Jat stalwarts. This move paid off in a big way. Under his leadership, BJP secured an unprecedented third consecutive term in the October 2024 Assembly elections, winning the highest, 48 out of 90 seats, beating the antiincumbency of two-tenures.

Born in 1970, Saini had humble beginnings. His father, Telu Ram Saini, was a soldier. After retiring, his father worked as farmer in his village and in 2005, tragically passed away from a heart attack. Those close to Saini recall that growing up in a family with small landholdings; he lived a simple life, grounded in the realities of rural existence. His upbringing, shaped by the dual experiences of farming and military life, gave him a deep understanding of the struggles faced by Haryana's rural communities.