Saini's journey into mainstream politics began with his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2000, a move that would pave the way for his meteoric rise within the party ranks.
His dedication and organisational prowess quickly became evident as he assumed various leadership roles, including serving as the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala in 2002 and later as the district president in 2005.
Saini's commitment to the party's cause and his ability to connect with the grassroots did not go unnoticed. In 2009, he was entrusted with the pivotal role of state general secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha in Haryana, further solidifying his position as a rising star within the party's hierarchy.
The year 2014 marked a significant milestone with Saini's victory in the Legislative Assembly elections, representing the Narayangarh constituency. This triumph paved the way for his appointment as a minister in the Haryana government in 2016, where he played a crucial role in shaping policies and governance initiatives that aimed to uplift the state.
Saini's political ascent reached new heights in the fiercely contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections when he emerged triumphant from the Kurukshetra constituency, defeating his nearest rival by an impressive margin of over 3.83 lakh votes.
This resounding victory not only underscored his popularity and influence among the electorate but also cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with in Haryana's political landscape. One of Saini's key strengths lies in his close association with Haryana's Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, a relationship that has undoubtedly played a role in his political success. A bond forged between the two that goes back to their RSS days.
Saini's appointment as the state president of the Haryana BJP in October 2022 further solidified his position as a trusted confidante within the party ranks. In this influential role, he wields significant power in shaping the party's strategies and policies, ensuring that the BJP's vision aligns with the aspirations of the people of Haryana.
A factor that contributes significantly to Saini's political clout is his connection with the Saini community, which comprises approximately 8% of Haryana's population. This demographic holds sway in key districts such as Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Hisar, and Rewari, providing Saini with a strong support base and a formidable vote bank.
However, Saini's political journey has not been without its challenges. As a leader from the OBC community, he has had to navigate the complex dynamics of caste politics, often seeking to strike a delicate balance between appealing to the broader electorate and simultaneously addressing the concerns of his community.
In picking him as the state's chief minister, the BJP hopes that his ability to connect with the grassroots, coupled with his unwavering commitment to the BJP's ideological principles will help the party come back to power in the state assembly elections, scheduled for later this year.
As Haryana starts gearing up for the upcoming electoral battles, Nayab Singh Saini's role will undoubtedly be under watch. Whether he can leverage his influence to propel the BJP to greater heights or face setbacks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain - Saini's impact on Haryana's political tapestry will be indelible.
Personal Background - Born on 25th January 1970, in Mizapur Majra village, Ainbala, Haryana. Belongs to the Other Backward Class (OBC) community I - Educational Qualifications: BA and LLB from B.R.Ambedkar Bihar University, Muzaffarpur
Political Journey: -
- Joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in 1996, influenced by leaders like Manohar Lal Khattar -
- Joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2000 - Served as the district general secretary of the BJP Youth Wing in Ambala (2002)
- Appointed as the district president of Ambala BJP (2005) - Served as the state general secretary of the BJP Kisan Morcha in Haryana (2009)
- Elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Narayangarh constituency (2014)
- Appointed as a minister in the Haryana government (2016)
- Elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Kurukshetra constituency (2019)
- Appointed as the state president of the Haryana BJP (October 2022)
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Key Strengths and Influences: -
- Strong grassroots connect and organizational skills
- Astute political acumen and strategic alliances
- Close association with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
- Significant influence among the Saini community (around 8% of Haryana's population)
- Popularity in key districts like Kurukshetra, Yamunanagar, Ambala, Hisar, and Rewari
Born to be a leader:
Saini's rise in the BJP ranks showcases his dedication and leadership qualities, propelling him from local party offices to influential positions at the state and national levels. T - His resounding victory in the 2019 Lok Saba elections, with a margin of over 3.83 lakh votes, underscores his popularity and influence among the electorate.
As the state president of the Haryana BJP, Saini played a crucial role in shaping the party's strategies and policies in the state.
His background in the RSS and close ties with Manohar Lal Khattar have likely contributed to his political ascent within the BJP and his connection with the Saini community, a significant voter base in Haryana, adds to his political clout and influence in the state.