Haryana CM Slams Opposition for Headline Politics, Emphasizes Long-Term Growth
Chandigarh: A day after the defeat of a BJP-backed Independent candidate, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday launched a strong rebuttal against the opposition, accusing them of indulging in "headline politics" while ignoring the state's development trajectory. During the concluding sitting of the 12-day assembly session, Saini asserted that his government remains steadfastly focused on long-term growth and planning.
Budget Prepared with Extensive Consultation
Replying to the debate on the budget, Saini criticized the opposition for raising allegations without substance, describing their approach as reflecting an "aarop lagao aur bhaag jao" mindset that shows a lack of seriousness in constructive debate. He revealed that the budget was meticulously prepared after considering around 5,000 suggestions from various stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with both the Union and state governments' vision for sustainable progress.
Financial Position Stronger Than Neighboring States
Rejecting claims of rising debt, the Chief Minister dismissed what he called misleading figures used to create unnecessary fear. He presented a comparative analysis, stating, "For 2026-27, Haryana's total budget stands at Rs 2,23,658 crore, with its total debt amounting to approximately 175% of the budget. On the other hand, Punjab's total budget is merely Rs 1,80,437 crore, yet its total debt stands at approximately 248% of its budget." Saini emphasized that Haryana's financial position is robust, with real budget growth ranging between 8% and 9.24%, and maintained that all financial data is publicly available, negating the need for a white paper.
Addressing Key Concerns: Unemployment, Agriculture, and Infrastructure
Saini addressed multiple opposition claims with data-driven responses. On unemployment, he cited the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey, noting Haryana's unemployment rate at 5%, which is lower than neighboring states, and highlighted that since 2014, about 1.8 lakh youths have been given government jobs on merit. He dismissed opposition assertions as incorrect, stressing that data must be based on facts rather than "emotional remarks."
Regarding agricultural concerns, the CM detailed that a pre-budget meeting held on January 15 at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar was attended by 362 stakeholders, including farmers and experts, ensuring their input was incorporated. He also announced an allocation of Rs 100 crore for the SYL canal, countering claims that it had been ignored.
Resolution of Legacy Issues and Revenue Gains
On the Haryana Telecom Limited issue, Saini clarified that it pertained to a nearly three-decade-old industrial dispute, which has now been resolved through due legal process, with pending dues deposited in the state exchequer. He highlighted revenue gains under the excise policy 2025–27, stating the government earned Rs 14,342 crore from licence fees, higher than the previous year, demonstrating fiscal prudence.
Law and Order and Political Decisions Defended
Saini rejected claims that Haryana ranks among the most dangerous states, calling them misleading and noting that NCRB data does not rank states in that manner. He asserted that crime control and public safety have improved under his administration. Additionally, he defended the BJP's support to an independent candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls, stating it was within democratic norms and part of strategic political engagement.
In summary, Chief Minister Saini's comprehensive address aimed to shift focus from political rhetoric to tangible development metrics, reinforcing his government's commitment to long-term planning and economic stability in Haryana.
