Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini delivered a sharp critique of the main Opposition Congress while contextualizing the Union Budget for the state during a detailed media briefing in Chandigarh on Wednesday. Accompanied by BJP leader Jawahar Yadav and officials from the Haryana government, Saini used the platform to promote the saffron party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly in light of the upcoming yet-to-be-announced assembly elections in neighboring Punjab.
Political Strategy and Punjab Focus
Notably, Saini has been assigned to oversee political activities and manage joinings in the Punjab unit of the BJP as part of the run-up to the assembly elections. This strategic move underscores the BJP's efforts to strengthen its foothold in Punjab, where the ruling AAP serves as a key political rival. During the briefing, Saini emphasized the contrast between what he termed as the Congress's reactive politics and the BJP's performance-driven governance.
Congress as 'Tweet Masters'
In a pointed attack, Saini labeled the Congress as a "Tweet Master Party," accusing it of misleading the nation without fully understanding the budget. He stated, "Congress is a Tweet Master Party, BJP is a Performer. Tweet Masters should first let the Budget be presented fully before misleading the nation. There seems to be a competition within Congress about who can please Rahul Gandhi the most." Saini added that the public welfare policies of PM Modi would ensure a big mandate for the BJP in both Punjab and Bengal.
He further remarked that Congress has reduced itself to reactionary politics, lacking a roadmap for development. "Congress sirf tweet master ban kar reh gayi hai" (Congress has been reduced to merely a tweet-master party), he said, highlighting the disconnect between online noise and on-ground governance. Saini criticized the opposition for what he called irresponsible, half-baked, and misleading politics over the Union Budget, asserting that they neither read nor understood it, opposing it merely for the sake of opposition.
Budget Misunderstandings and Youth Focus
Saini argued that Congress opposes the budget not out of ideology, but to remain in headlines and get media coverage. "This is not a budget for show; it is a budget for reforms, but Congress lacks the understanding to grasp this," he remarked. Responding to claims that Haryana received nothing from the budget, the CM reminded that during Congress rule, budgets never reached the poor, with people only hearing populist promises but getting nothing in return.
In contrast, he emphasized that under the Modi-led government, the budget is reform-oriented rather than alluring. Taking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi, Saini noted that he stood in Parliament merely holding a book instead of engaging in constructive debate. Addressing allegations that the budget offers nothing for youth, Saini said, "There should be a limit to lying. Congress needs training on how much one should lie." He explained that the government's vision is to make youth job creators, not job seekers, underscoring a forward-looking approach to economic development.
Broader Implications and Electoral Context
This media briefing not only served as a platform to decode the Union Budget in Haryana's context but also as a strategic move to bolster BJP's prospects in Punjab. By attacking Congress and promoting BJP's governance model, Saini aimed to sway public opinion ahead of the crucial assembly elections. His comments reflect the ongoing political rivalry and the BJP's efforts to position itself as a party of performance and reform, in stark contrast to the opposition's perceived shortcomings.
