Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini delivered a potent mix of spirituality and political rhetoric during his visit to Punjab's Ludhiana district on Sunday, January 12, 2026. While on a religious tour, the BJP leader launched a sustained offensive against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Spiritual Sojourn with a Political Undertone
Saini's day began with paying obeisance at the historic Gurudwara Charan Kanwal Sahib in Machhiwara. He emphasized the universal sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus, stating they were made for the entire nation, not just one community. He condemned what he called "irresponsible and condemnable remarks" made by some opposition leaders about the Gurus for political gain.
His next stop was the ancient Shri Mukteshwar Shiv Temple (Muktidham) in Chehlan, where he performed Jalabhishek, praying for the prosperity of the people of Haryana, Punjab, and the country.
Sustained Attack on AAP's Governance Record
Later, addressing a public gathering in Samrala, Saini turned his focus squarely to politics. He accused the AAP government of reducing governance to a "mere pursuit of power" instead of being rooted in service and public welfare.
He claimed that four years of the AAP administration had passed with no substantial work on the ground. Taking a veiled dig at CM Bhagwant Mann, known for his humorous quips, Saini asserted, "Jokes cannot fill stomachs." He challenged the state government to provide concrete data on employment generation, farmer compensation, and action against corruption.
Contrasting Haryana's 'Double Engine' Model
Saini contrasted the situation in Punjab with the performance of the 'double engine' BJP government in Haryana. He cited examples like compensation for crop damage, direct benefit transfers, and welfare schemes for senior citizens, women, and labourers as hallmarks of his state's governance model.
He accused both the previous Congress government and the current AAP dispensation of failing to fulfill promises. Saini questioned Punjab's stand on critical issues like Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement, unemployment, drug abuse, and labour welfare.
Concluding with a direct appeal to the electorate, Saini asked the people of Punjab to reject the "politics of lies" and vote out the Bhagwant Mann government in the next assembly polls scheduled for 2027. His visit strategically underscored reverence for Sikh and Hindu traditions while setting the stage for the evolving political battle in the state.
