This was Khattar’s first visit to the state after being sworn in as a minister of urban affairs; and power in the Union cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was given a warm welcome by BJP leaders and workers in Sonepat and Panipat on his way to his constituency, Karnal. He addressed the workers at various spots.
Besides Khattar, the other two are BJP veterans Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishan Pal Gurjar, who have also served as Union ministers in Modi’s first and second tenure at the Centre. By allocating twin heavy duty portfolios (minister of housing and urban affairs and minister of power) to Khattar, the BJP has sent out a clear message about the importance it attaches to Haryana where the assembly elections are due in October.