Lehragaga (Punjab): With the Punjab Assembly elections on the horizon, Nayab Singh Saini has intensified political outreach in the state, launching a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party while projecting the governance model of Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Haryana as a blueprint for Punjab’s development.
Addressing a public meeting in Banarasi village of Lehragaga, organized by youth leader Rakesh Singh Gill—who formally joined the BJP along with his supporters—Saini asserted that Punjab stands at a crucial political crossroads. He said that once a BJP government is formed in the state under the leadership of Narendra Modi, welfare schemes for women, farmers, labourers, and youth would be implemented on the lines of Haryana.
Taking a direct swipe at the AAP government, Saini alleged that corruption and administrative failures have pushed Punjab backwards. Referring to recent controversies, he claimed that even government officials are under such pressure that they are being driven to extreme steps, calling the situation deeply unfortunate and alarming.
Highlighting local concerns, the Haryana Chief Minister said Lehragaga, once known for its thriving grain markets and commercial vibrancy, is now facing decline due to neglect. He remarked that while governments may change, those that ignore basic public needs and focus only on publicity lose their moral authority to govern.
Saini pointed to issues such as poor healthcare infrastructure, deteriorating education systems, damaged roads, and closure of industries in the region. He criticized the much-publicized Mohalla Clinics initiative, claiming that residents still have to travel to cities like Patiala, Ludhiana, or even Haryana for serious medical treatment. According to him, governance failures have forced people to take to the streets to demand basic services.
Raising concerns over law and order, Saini described drug abuse among youth as one of Punjab’s most pressing challenges. He said that the prevailing situation has discouraged investment, contributing to economic stagnation in the state.
Projecting Haryana as a model of governance, Saini said the state reflects the development-driven and decisive leadership established under Prime Minister Modi. He emphasized that alignment between the Centre and state governments accelerates growth and ensures effective implementation of policies.
Citing welfare initiatives, he highlighted Haryana’s Lado Laxmi Yojana, under which ₹850 crore has been disbursed to around 10 lakh women. He also pointed out that 24 crops are procured at Minimum Support Price in Haryana, with payments made to farmers within 48 hours. In contrast, he alleged that farmers in Punjab feel disillusioned due to unfulfilled promises.
The Haryana Chief Minister further accused the Punjab government of shifting blame onto the Centre to cover its shortcomings, particularly in areas like fertilizer supply, crop procurement, and stubble management. He said Haryana has provided direct financial assistance to farmers for crop residue management, presenting it as a more effective approach.
In a pointed political remark, Saini also targeted Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that Punjab’s resources are being diverted, while the state’s development needs remain unmet. He said both the country and Punjab require stable and experienced governance rather than “experiments.”
Calling upon voters to bring political change in the upcoming elections, Saini urged people to “reject the current व्यवस्था” and support a government committed to development and accountability. He also stated that his doors remain open for the people of Punjab, inviting them to approach him anytime with their concerns.
The rally saw the presence of several political figures, including Tarun Bhandari, political secretary to the Haryana Chief Minister, BJP Sangrur district president Daman Bajwa, former chairman Mahendra Singh Gill, and district council vice president Rajrani Gill, along with a large gathering of supporters.
