Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp critique against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab during a workers' meeting that turned into a political rally in Ghanaur, Patiala district, on Sunday. The event is widely seen as an early campaign signal and a strategic move by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to expand its influence in Punjab ahead of the crucial 2027 assembly elections.
Venue and Strategy: BJP's Punjab Foray
The choice of venue at the grain market in Ghanaur, situated near the Haryana-Punjab border in Patiala, was a calculated move. Saini repeatedly contrasted the governance models of Punjab and Haryana, aiming to project the BJP-led Haryana model as a successful alternative for Punjab, where the saffron party has historically had a limited presence.
Addressing the gathering, Saini accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of misleading the public to gain power. He asserted that even after more than three years in office, there has been no tangible improvement on the ground. Instead, he claimed, Punjab's situation has deteriorated due to rampant drug addiction, high unemployment, and a series of unfulfilled assurances.
Contrasting Promises: Haryana's Welfare vs Punjab's 'Failures'
The Haryana Chief Minister specifically targeted AAP's key electoral promises from the 2022 polls. He pointed out that the promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to every woman in Punjab remains unimplemented. Similarly, he alleged that the pledge to increase the monthly pension for senior citizens to Rs 2,500 has not been met, with beneficiaries still receiving only Rs 1,500.
In stark contrast, Saini highlighted several welfare initiatives in Haryana:
- The promise of LPG cylinders at Rs 500 was implemented immediately after the government formation.
- Under the ‘Lado Lakshmi’ scheme, eligible women receive Rs 2,100 per month.
- Senior citizens in Haryana get a pension of Rs 3,200, which he claimed is the highest in the country.
Saini also criticized the AAP government for its alleged failure to make Punjab drug-free and to generate employment for the youth, stating categorically, "Not a single promise has been fulfilled."
Attack on Corruption and Showcasing Haryana's Record
The Haryana CM trained his guns on both the AAP and the Congress, alleging they were "stuck in a swamp of corruption." He claimed that while corruption charges were earlier levelled against the Congress, the current Punjab administration has surpassed it, with several ministers facing serious allegations.
To underscore Haryana's development under BJP rule, Saini provided comparative figures:
- On recruitment: He said the BJP government issued appointment letters to 25,000 youth immediately after taking oath.
- On crop damage: During 10 years of Congress rule in Haryana, only Rs 1,138 crore was paid in compensation, whereas the BJP government has disbursed Rs 15,500 crore so far.
- For last year's floods, Haryana deposited Rs 116 crore directly into farmers' accounts and provided an additional Rs 5 crore for damaged houses and livestock.
On healthcare, Saini mentioned the ‘Chirayu’ scheme, similar to Ayushman Bharat, which covers about 1.5 crore people in Haryana, with 25 lakh beneficiaries receiving treatment. He took a jibe at AAP's Mohalla Clinics, alleging a shortage of doctors.
Saini concluded by expressing confidence that the BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, would form the government in Punjab in 2027 and develop the state on the lines of Haryana. He claimed that people in Punjab are now regretting their decision and that only the BJP can restore the state's pride and put it back on the path of development.
The event was also addressed by former minister Aseem Goel and former Patiala MP Preneet Kaur. Political observers view Saini's aggressive stance as a clear component of the BJP's broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in Punjab ahead of the next state elections.
