Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh)— Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a sharp political attack against the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Sunday, stating that the people of Punjab require concrete infrastructure, job creation, and industrial security rather than public relation campaigns and promotional advertisements.
Addressing a public gathering at Kakrala village in Punjab’s Patiala district alongside former Union Minister Maharani Preneet Kaur and Professor Malkit Singh, the Chief Minister welcomed several local community members into the Bharatiya Janata Party fold.
Comparative Economic Metrics: Haryana vs. Punjab
Saini presented economic figures to contrast the developmental trajectories of both neighboring states, arguing that policy choices and administrative accountability have widened the growth gap:
- Real GDP Growth Rates: Saini stated that Haryana’s real economic growth rate for 2025–26 is projected at 9.5 percent, compared to Punjab’s estimated 6.1 percent growth rate.
- Economic Scale: The Chief Minister projected Haryana’s economy to reach ₹15.18 lakh crore in 2026–27, compared to Punjab’s projected ₹9.81 lakh crore economy, citing a structural gap of nearly ₹5.38 lakh crore.
- Per Capita Income: Saini noted that Haryana’s per capita income stands at 176.8 percent of the national average, whereas Punjab’s stands at 106.7 percent.
Manifestor Tracker: 70 Out of 217 Promises Delivered in 18 Months
Detailing the execution of the BJP’s 2024 assembly election manifesto in Haryana, Saini stated that the state government has delivered on 70 out of its 217 commitments within an 18-month timeframe.
Key state-level schemes highlighted during the address include:
- Free Dialysis Treatment: Full waiver of medical expenses for kidney patients undergoing dialysis across state-run health facilities, saving patients ₹25,000 to ₹30,000 per session.
- Subsidized LPG & Monthly Financial Support: Provision of ₹500 gas cylinders to families earning under ₹1.80 lakh annually, with ₹300 crore disbursed. Additionally, under the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, the state allocated ₹5,000 crore in its first budget to provide ₹2,100 monthly financial aid to eligible women, disbursing over ₹2,000 crore to date.
- 100% MSP Procurement: Direct procurement of all crops at Minimum Support Price with direct bank transfers executed within 48 to 72 hours, alongside interest payments for any processing delays beyond 72 hours.
Addressing regional concerns, Saini criticized the state of law enforcement and public sector recruitment in Punjab, referencing the drug crisis and controversies around public service examination lists. Maharani Preneet Kaur also addressed the gathering, urging electors to align state administration with central government development initiatives.
