Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), accusing Rahul Gandhi of spreading hatred despite his slogan of “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan” and challenging Arvind Kejriwal to substantiate his claims about students becoming doctors and engineers under his government.
Speaking to reporters at Haryana Niwas in Chandigarh, Saini defended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s welfare policies, including the Ujjwala Yojana and financial assistance for farmers, while accusing the Congress of opposing initiatives aimed at helping poor households.
The chief minister also questioned Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s remarks about the prime minister’s family and said the party should explain its criticism of the government’s welfare measures.
Saini Targets Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’
Taking aim at Rahul Gandhi’s “Mohabbat Ki Dukaan” slogan, Saini alleged that the message of love promoted by the Congress leader did not match the party’s history.
“Poison is being sold in the ‘Mohabbat Ki Dukaan’,” Saini said, questioning whether the slogan also accounted for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and incidents of violence during previous Congress governments in Haryana.
He also referred to alleged incidents involving the burning of homes, shops and Dalit settlements, asking whether these events would find a place in Gandhi’s political messaging.
Saini further criticised the Congress over its statements about the Election Commission and electronic voting machines (EVMs). He argued that the party should also examine its performance in elections conducted using ballot papers.
The chief minister additionally criticised the Congress and its allies over past law-and-order issues in Uttar Pradesh under the Samajwadi Party government. These remarks formed part of his broader attack on opposition parties and their political record.
Saini Challenges Kejriwal to Release List of Doctors and Engineers
Saini also targeted former Delhi chief minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal over his claims about improvements in government schools and students’ career outcomes.
The Haryana chief minister challenged Kejriwal to release details of how many students became doctors and engineers during his tenure, saying the AAP leader should provide evidence to support his statements.
Saini alleged that making broad claims without presenting supporting details could mislead the public. He also claimed that AAP had run out of political issues and said voters in Punjab were preparing to reject the party.
Haryana CM Questions Punjab’s Law and Order
Commenting on demands for early elections in Punjab, Saini raised concerns about the state’s law-and-order situation and claimed that people were seeking a change in government.
He criticised the AAP government over its promises to tackle drug abuse, saying voters would seek an account of its performance as the next election approaches.
Saini also took a swipe at the government’s political messaging, saying that people’s concerns could not be addressed through jokes and public statements alone. He claimed that dissatisfaction with AAP was growing in Punjab and also criticised the Congress.
Saini Raises Illegal Mining Issue Against Congress and AAP
On illegal mining in Punjab, Saini questioned the record of former chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi, who had raised concerns about the issue.
Saini said Channi should also recall the situation during his own tenure and argued that Punjab’s voters had assessed the performance of both the Congress and AAP governments.
The allegations and political assessments made by Saini were not independently established in the remarks provided.
Haryana CM Says Industries Show Interest in Rs 50,000 Crore Investment
Speaking about his recent visit to Gujarat, Saini said the state had developed a strong industrial base under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He said he had invited industries during the visit to explore investment opportunities in Haryana. According to Saini, companies had shown interest in investing around Rs 50,000 crore in the state and memorandums of understanding had been signed.
The chief minister welcomed the reported interest from Gujarat-based industries, saying the proposed investments could support industrial development in Haryana.
