Haryana Congress Issues Show-Cause Notice to Ratia MLA Jarnail Singh

The Haryana Congress Legislature Party (CLP) has issued a show-cause notice to Ratia MLA Jarnail Singh over allegations that he did not follow the party whip during the recent monsoon session of the Haryana Assembly. The notice was issued by CLP chief whip Bharat Bhushan Batra on September 13 and was reported on September 17, 2026.

According to the notice, the Congress CLP had issued a three-line whip directing its MLAs to remain present in the House and support an adjournment motion during the Assembly session held from August 27 to September 1. The party has alleged that Jarnail Singh did not follow the direction and did not support the motion.

The notice also refers to Singh’s conduct inside the Assembly. It alleges that he displayed a placard, was seen siding with members of the treasury benches and raised slogans against the Congress Legislature Party along with members of the ruling side. The notice contains 17 questions seeking his explanation about the events.

Jarnail Singh has been asked to explain whether he received the party whip, whether he deliberately failed to follow it and whether he had permission from the party leadership for his actions. The notice also refers to possible proceedings under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution and asks him to respond within 30 days.

The latest action follows earlier disciplinary action involving Singh and four other Congress MLAs. The party had suspended the five legislators in April over alleged cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha (opens in a new tab) election held on March 16. The Congress had said the disciplinary action followed the recommendation of its state disciplinary committee and approval from the All India Congress Committee president.

The development adds another organisational dispute to Haryana Politics, with the conduct of individual legislators and party discipline becoming a focus of attention within the state Congress.

The episode also highlights the role of party whips and legislative discipline within Political Parties. Any further action against the MLA will depend on the explanation submitted in response to the notice and subsequent proceedings.

The issue is expected to remain part of Haryana's wider Political War as parties debate legislative conduct, internal discipline and the functioning of the state Assembly.