Praveen Soni
In a significant political development that may redefine power equations in Haryana, the Nayab Singh Saini-led government has taken a decisive administrative step by extending the tenure of Director General of Police O.P. Singh while simultaneously moving former DGP Shatrujeet Kapoor to the position of Managing Director of the Haryana Police Housing Board. While on the surface this may appear to be a routine bureaucratic reshuffle, politically it carries far deeper implications, signalling a shift in authority and decision-making within the state’s ruling establishment.
Shatrujeet Kapoor, a senior IPS officer and former DGP, was earlier sent on leave following the suicide of IPS officer Puran Khmar, an incident that triggered a major political storm for the Saini government. The controversy erupted at a time when the BJP government in Haryana was approaching its one-year tenure, a milestone that was meant to be marked with celebrations and public outreach. Instead, the government found itself on the defensive, facing questions over administrative accountability, internal governance, and political control. The episode effectively overshadowed what was supposed to be a moment of consolidation for the new Chief Minister.
At that time, the Saini government was widely perceived as being constrained by political compulsions. Nayab Singh Saini, who had taken over as Chief Minister after Manohar Lal Khattar’s exit, was often portrayed by political observers and opposition leaders as a handpicked successor, operating under the shadow and influence of his predecessor. The narrative was that real power continued to rest with Khattar, with major administrative and political decisions being taken only after his consent. Key postings, it was alleged, were going to officers and functionaries known for their proximity to the former Chief Minister, reinforcing the perception that the new regime lacked autonomy.
Within this context, the handling of Shatrujeet Kapoor’s case became symbolic. While there were strong signals even earlier that the government wanted to keep Kapoor away from the police command amid controversy, political and organisational constraints reportedly prevented immediate action. The BJP leadership, balancing internal factions and the legacy of the previous administration, appeared cautious about sending a message that could be interpreted as a break from the past.
The latest decision, however, marks a clear departure from that phase. By extending the tenure of O.P. Singh, who is otherwise due to retire on December 31, and formally sidelining Kapoor from the state police hierarchy, the Saini government has demonstrated its willingness to take firm and potentially sensitive decisions. This move is being read in political circles as an assertion of authority by Nayab Singh Saini, indicating that he is no longer content with being seen as a caretaker or a proxy leader.
What makes the decision particularly noteworthy is its timing and political messaging. O.P. Singh’s extension suggests that the government values continuity and stability in the police leadership at a time when law and order, internal security, and administrative credibility remain under scrutiny. At the same time, relocating Kapoor to a non-operational role sends a strong signal about accountability and the government’s readiness to recalibrate power structures within the bureaucracy.
More importantly, this decision challenges the long-held perception that Saini’s government functions entirely under the influence of Manohar Lal Khattar. While Khattar remains a towering figure in Haryana politics, with a strong network of loyalists occupying key administrative and political positions, the latest development suggests that the centre of power may be gradually shifting. Political observers believe that Saini is now attempting to carve out his own space, both within the party and in governance.
There is growing speculation that this could be the beginning of a broader administrative reshuffle. Sources within political circles suggest that in the coming months, the Chief Minister’s Office may witness fresh appointments, with new faces being brought in to replace officials perceived as closely aligned with the previous regime. Such a move would further strengthen Saini’s grip on governance and allow him to implement his vision with a team of his own choosing.
This transition is not without risks. Any attempt to dilute the influence of Khattar-era loyalists could trigger internal friction within the BJP’s state unit. Khattar’s supporters still hold considerable sway, and managing this delicate balance will require political finesse. However, history shows that successful leadership transitions often involve precisely such moments of assertion, where the new leader establishes authority while carefully managing internal dynamics.
From a broader political perspective, the emergence of Nayab Singh Saini as an independent decision-maker could have long-term implications for Haryana politics. Power, as political theory and practice suggests, gravitates towards those who exercise it decisively. New power centres often outperform old ones not merely because of novelty, but because they bring renewed energy, recalibrated priorities, and a desire to prove legitimacy.
For Saini, this phase represents a crucial test. Having weathered the initial turbulence of his tenure, he now appears to be moving from survival mode to consolidation mode. Administrative decisions such as the handling of the DGP issue serve as markers of this transition. They indicate a Chief Minister who is increasingly confident, more willing to take ownership of governance, and prepared to be judged on his own terms rather than through the prism of his predecessor.
In the evolving political landscape of Haryana, this development may well be remembered as a turning point. Whether Nayab Singh Saini can sustain this momentum and fully emerge from the shadow of Manohar Lal Khattar will depend on how consistently he exercises authority and delivers governance outcomes. For now, the message is clear: the Saini government is beginning to assert itself, and Haryana’s political narrative may be entering a new chapter.
