Punjab ‘suffering from corruption’, urgent need for change: Nayab Saini

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated on Saturday that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India is achieving new heights of development; however, he expressed deep concern about the current state of Punjab.

Saini reflected on a time when Punjab led the nation in agriculture, sports, defence, and industry, noting that now the situation is entirely different.

He remarked that farmers are distressed, the youth are disheartened, and mothers are anxious about their children’s futures while addressing a program held at Kisan Palace in Samana.

During his address, Saini highlighted Samana’s rich and glorious history, referencing Banda Singh Bahadur’s victory over the Mughals in the Battle of Samana in 1709, which showcased Sikh military prowess and established the foundations of the first Sikh rule.

He emphasised that the relationship between Punjab and Haryana is not merely one of neighbouring states but rather a bond of shared heritage and common struggles. He presented himself not just as a neighbour, but as a younger brother and well-wisher.

Saini criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claiming it made false promises and has failed to deliver on any commitments over the past four years.

“Corruption has become widespread in the state,” he alleged while targeting the AAP government.

He asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can transform Punjab into a developed state, citing Haryana as a model, where 24 crops are procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Saini mentioned that in the last 11 and a half years, over Rs 16,000 crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ accounts through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and as compensation for crop damage.

Additionally, he noted that Rs 133 crore in farmers’ loans have been waived, and payments for crop procurement are made within 48 hours.

He appealed to the audience, stating that if Punjab is to become a developed state, a BJP government must be formed in 2027. He promised that all welfare schemes implemented in Haryana would also be introduced in Punjab once the BJP comes to power.

Earlier in Lehragaga, Saini asserted that once a BJP government is established in Punjab, welfare schemes for women, farmers, labourers, and youth — similar to those in Haryana — would be enacted.

He pointed out that this region of Punjab was once renowned for its grain markets, business activities and speaking against injustice, but lamented that it is now losing its identity due to the alleged neglect of the current government.

Claiming that the AAP, which came to power promising change, has only plunged the region into “darkness,” Saini tore into the alleged poor condition of healthcare services, the deteriorating education system, broken streets and closing industries in Lehragaga.