Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to strengthening Punjab and claimed that the state's development could accelerate under a 'double-engine government' led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Saini addresses Namdev Samaj delegation
Speaking to a delegation of the Namdev Samaj from Sri Hargobindpur in Punjab's Gurdaspur district at the CM camp office in Chandigarh, Saini highlighted Haryana's structured overseas employment opportunities through its foreign cooperation department. He contrasted this with Punjab, where many youths are forced to seek jobs abroad via illegal 'donkey routes'.
Saini noted that over 5,500 applications from youths aspiring to work overseas are currently under scrutiny in Haryana, and applicants are required to bear only the cost of their air tickets under the initiative.
Tribute to Guru Hargobind Singh
Paying tribute to the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Singh, Saini said his teachings of standing against injustice and protecting the weaker sections remain relevant and should be followed in practice.
Criticism of Congress and AAP governments
Expressing concern over Punjab's development, Saini alleged that successive Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) governments failed to meet public expectations. He claimed that people in Punjab are increasingly looking towards the BJP under PM Modi's leadership ahead of the next assembly elections.
Targeting the Bhagwant Mann government, Saini said the promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to women remained unfulfilled. In contrast, he highlighted Haryana's Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, under which eligible women receive Rs 2,100 per month directly in their bank accounts. He said Rs 1,600 crore has already been disbursed to beneficiaries.
Comparison of welfare schemes
The CM also noted that Haryana provides Rs 3,200 per month to senior citizens under the Old Age Samman Allowance, compared to Rs 1,500 in Punjab.
Vision for a BJP-led Punjab
Saini said a BJP government in Punjab would ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement, better compensation for crop losses, industrial growth, and welfare benefits, helping restore Punjab's position as a leading state in the country.
