Chandigarh, May 15 -- Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that corruption and the drug menace had worsened in Punjab under its rule. He claimed the people of Punjab had voted for AAP after becoming disillusioned with corruption during the Congress regime, but were now facing similar problems under the current government.
Speaking to mediapersons after attending a programme in Sirsa, Saini alleged that AAP had "misled" the people of Punjab with false promises. Referring to AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, he said the party had once promised to transform Punjab into a state comparable to Paris, but recent developments had exposed the reality of its governance.
The Chief Minister referred to an Enforcement Directorate raid in Punjab in which large amounts of cash were allegedly recovered, claiming it had exposed the "so-called honest government". He further alleged that corruption had become rampant in tehsils and police stations, causing hardship to ordinary people.
Saini also said AAP had no moral right to use the image of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, arguing that the revolutionary had sacrificed his life for the country's future, while Punjab was now being linked with corruption and scams.
Pitching for BJP's expansion in Punjab, Saini said a "double-engine government" would accelerate development and curb corruption. He highlighted welfare schemes implemented in Haryana, including MSP benefits for farmers, Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu health schemes, and solar energy initiatives, saying similar benefits could reach Punjab under a BJP government.
On other issues, the Chief Minister said Haryana had adopted measures for fuel conservation and environmental protection in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal, including reducing vehicle usage and promoting virtual meetings. He also assured strict action in the NEET-related case under investigation.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.