Hooda Counters Saini's Haryana Governance Model with Stark Economic Data
Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda launched a sharp critique on Thursday against Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's promotion of the "Haryana Governance Model" as a blueprint for Punjab's revival. Hooda presented compelling evidence of industrial decline, mounting debt, and rising corruption in Haryana, challenging the model's effectiveness.
Industrial Exodus and Economic Decline
Hooda highlighted alarming figures from recent data. He stated that 1,446 factories in Haryana have either closed down or relocated since 2018-19. This information comes from the Reserve Bank of India, based on the Annual Survey of Industries by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
The former chief minister explained the consequences of this industrial migration. "This migration is leading to increased unemployment, economic decline, crime, and further migration in Haryana," Hooda asserted. He noted that the industrial sector in Haryana has declined by 12.2 percent over the past five years.
Contrasting the current situation with the Congress era, Hooda pointed out achievements from his party's tenure. "The Congress government established six new IMTs during its time. We brought major industries like Maruti, Asian Paints, NTPC, Reliance, Honda, IOC, Panasonic, Yokohama, and Denso to the state," he recalled. The Congress also approved projects like a rail coach factory and an international airport.
Mounting Debt and Fiscal Health Concerns
Hooda drew attention to Haryana's deteriorating fiscal situation. He revealed that from 1966 to 2014, the state's total debt stood at Rs 60,000 crore. This debt has now ballooned to more than Rs 5 lakh crore under the BJP government.
The opposition leader cited the NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index, where Haryana ranks 14th among 18 states. "A Debt-to-GSDP ratio of over 31 percent indicates the state is trapped in a deep debt cycle," Hooda emphasized. He accused the BJP government of focusing more on event management and propaganda than addressing these critical economic issues.
Rising Corruption and Governance Failures
Hooda also referenced the National Crime Records Bureau report to highlight governance concerns. Corruption cases in Haryana have increased by 187 percent in the past three years, according to the NCRB data. The state now ranks sixth in corruption nationwide.
"All reports indicate that the BJP has failed on every front," Hooda alleged. He claimed that even economists and intellectuals have lost faith in the BJP government due to Haryana's alarming economic situation.
Saini's Vision for Punjab Contrasted
This criticism comes a day after Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini presented his "Haryana Governance Model" as a potential roadmap for Punjab's revival. Addressing the BJP's first-ever Maghi mela political conference in Muktsar on Wednesday, Saini positioned his model ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab.
"Punjab is not just our neighbouring state, it shares a blood relationship with Haryana," Saini had stated. "Haryana loves Punjab and wants to see it flourish."
Hooda's detailed rebuttal, however, paints a different picture of Haryana's current governance and economic health. The exchange sets the stage for continued political debate as both states approach crucial electoral periods.
