Karnal may lose CM-city status as Saini eyes Ladwa in upcoming polls

In a move that could redefine the political landscape of Haryana, the historic city of Karnal, long known as the "CM-City," is on the verge of losing its coveted status as the chief minister's seat. With the current Chief Minister Nayab Saini reportedly planning to contest from Ladwa of Kurukshetra in the upcoming October 1 assembly elections, Karnal may no longer be the epicenter of power in the state.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

BJP insiders have disclosed that Saini, currently the MLA from Karnal, is more inclined to contest from the rural constituency of Ladwa in Kurukshetra district. Several factors seem to favor this shift, not least of which is the significant Saini voter base in Ladwa, bolstered by the fact that Saini's ancestral village of Mangholi falls within the constituency. Additionally, Ladwa holds a historical significance for the BJP, having elected Pawan Saini in 2014. "Contesting from Ladwa would allow the Chief Minister to dedicate more time to campaigning across other districts, thereby enha