Three-time BJP Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Harvinder Kalyan was elected Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker and Jind BJP MLA Krishan Middha his deputy on Friday. Both were elected unanimously.

After the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MLAs, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini moved a resolution in the House proposing Kalyan’s name, while BJP MLA Ranbir Gangwa seconded the proposal. Pro-tem Speaker Rabhuvir Kadian declared Kalyan elected Speaker as there was no other candidate in the fray.

Belonging to the Other Backward Class (OBC), Kalyan represents the Gharaunda Assembly segment that falls in Karnal, a district not represented in the Saini ministry.

An MLA from Gharaunda (Karnal), Kalyan is considered close to CM Saini and Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. He was the BJP convener for the Karnal Lok Sabha seat, from where Khattar was elected, during the parliamentary polls earlier this year.

Ahead of the Cabinet expansion, Kalyan was seen as a strong contender for a Ministry as it would have ensured representation for his Ror community in the caste-centric politics of Haryana. Currently, Karnal district, which was a power centre during the Khattar’s tenure, is not represented in the Cabinet.  This election makes Kalyan, 57, the 18th Speaker of the Haryana Assembly.

A native of Kutail village in Karnal, Kalyan began his political journey with the Youth Congress before joining the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), contesting and losing the 2009 Assembly election on a BSP ticket. He finally joined the BJP, winning his first seat in 2014 when the party took power in Haryana. He retained his seat in 2019 and 2024.

Known for his no-nonsense image, he previously served as the chairman of the Haryana State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (Hafed). Kalyan’s family has deep roots in public service. His father, Devi Singh Kalyan, was chairman of Haryana Agro Industries Corporation Ltd, while his elder brother, Devender Kalyan, is an IRS officer currently posted on deputation in Haryana. Kalyan’s wife, Reshma Kalyan, is the daughter of Manohar Naik, a multiple-term MLA from the Pusad Assembly seat in Maharashtra.

 On assuming charge, Kalyan was congratulated by the Chief Minister and his party MLAs, Congress MLAs, including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, INLD MLAs Aditya Devi Lal and Arjun Chautala, and several other legislators.

Congratulating Kalyan on being elected as Speaker, Chief Minister Saini 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 Speaker’s post to new heights. He said that 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. Highlighting his achievements, the Chief Minister mentioned that from 2019 to 2023, Kalyan served as Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. In addition, he has held the prestigious positions of Chairman of the Estimates Committee and the Public Undertakings Committee.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the newly elected Speaker would efficiently and impartially conduct the proceedings of the House, further strengthening democratic traditions. "As Speaker, he will set new benchmarks at every step," he said, urging all members to prioritize the public interest and the state’s welfare in their thoughts, words and actions.

Saini also highlighted that the current government, having won the public's mandate for a third consecutive term, 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 collaboratively with all members, both from the ruling party and the opposition.

Haryana Cabinet minister Krishan Lal Panwar proposed Middha’s name and BJP MLA Ghanshayam Dass seconded it. Middha was one of the eight Punjabi-Khatri lawmakers elected to the assembly. His appointment means more representation to Jind.  Midha, who is from the Hindu Punjabi community, is also a three-time MLA. Currently, no legislator from the Jind district is in the Cabinet. This time, only one member from the Punjabi community has been inducted into the Cabinet, Anil Vij.

Congratulating Middha on his unanimous election as Deputy Speaker, the Chief Minister remarked on the achievement and said that for the first time in Haryana’s history, an engineer has been elected Speaker and a doctor as Deputy Speaker. This unique combination will further accelerate the pace of development of the state. He expressed confidence that the Deputy Speaker would ensure inclusiveness, allowing every member the opportunity to express their views, while upholding the dignity of the House.

In the 90-member House, the ruling BJP has won 48 seats and enjoys the support of all three Independent legislators. The principal Opposition Congress has 37 seats while the Indian National Lok Dal has two seats.