Haryana Chief Minister ML Khattar under pressure after Dera rampage; admit lapses

Following large-scale violence in the state after conviction of Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's role has come under the scanner for alleged failure to control clashes despite prior inputs.

Khattar is now under tremendous pressure, both from within and outside the party. Even the BJP leadership is believed to be unhappy with the way Khattar handled the situation.

The violence in Panchkula and some other parts of Haryana on Friday was the third major instance of violence in the state since Khattar became Chief Minister of the first BJP government in Haryana in 2014.

Six people had lost their lives in November 2014 following a stand-off between supporters of controversial sect leader Rampal and security forces in Hisar district. 30 people had died in the Jat agitation for job quotas in the state in February last year.

Party sources said Khattar may not have a grip over the administration, and lapses continued to mar the image of the party and that of the government in the state that could cast a cloud over the central leadership as well.

Union Home Minister Rajnath



Singh is also believed to have spoken his mind on the issue when he talked to the Chief Minister. He cut short his visit to Kyrgyzstan and rushed back ahead of the judgment.

The feeling at the Centre is that the Khattar government did not take adequate measures to prevent the Dera supporters from gathering in large numbers in Panchkula.

Party sources said Khattar had a clean image but the incidents had raised doubts about his administrative abilities.

Khattar, a first-time MLA, was chosen by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah to lead the party government in Haryana.

Khattar has admitted that there were lapses in managing the law and order situation.

Khattar said his government made all arrangements but there was a huge mob as people entered the state on foot.

The Haryana Chief Minister claimed that the government did evict supporters from Panchkula ahead of the verdict, and added that the guilty will be brought to book.

"Those who have taken law in their hand will be punished. We have identified some culprits and some arrests have been made," Khattar added.