Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticised the Punjab government over drug abuse, law and order, employment and economic conditions, saying that restoring public confidence in safety and improving the state’s economy were essential steps towards building a society inspired by the ideals of Ram Rajya.
Saini made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a large pilgrimage organised in Jalandhar to mark Bhagwan Valmiki Prakatotsav. The procession was departing for Shri Ram Tirth, the revered site associated with Maharishi Valmiki in Amritsar.
Emphasising the teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki, Saini called for a society free from fear and drugs, where people live with dignity, equality and mutual respect. He said the occasion should inspire people to follow the values of compassion, social harmony and justice.
What did Nayab Singh Saini say about Punjab’s situation?
Saini described the situation in Punjab as a matter of concern, alleging that young people were increasingly falling into the trap of drug abuse and that law and order had deteriorated.
He also criticised the state’s administration and economic management, claiming that ordinary citizens, farmers, labourers and young people were feeling let down.
According to the Haryana Chief Minister, a government’s responsibility is to work continuously for public welfare, guide young people towards productive opportunities and ensure an environment of security and justice. He argued that governments lose public confidence when promises remain unfulfilled, employment opportunities fall short and social divisions deepen.
His remarks amounted to a political criticism of the Punjab government. The allegations were made during his address and were not accompanied by supporting data in the statement issued about the event.
Why did Saini invoke Bhagwan Valmiki’s message of Ram Rajya?
Speaking about Maharishi Valmiki’s legacy, Saini described him as a guide for humanity and a proponent of social justice and moral values. He said the Ramayana offered enduring lessons on character, dignity and responsible conduct.
Saini also highlighted the principle that a person’s greatness should be judged by their actions and thoughts rather than their birth. He said the ideal society envisioned through Valmiki’s teachings would give every individual equal respect and leave no room for discrimination, injustice, fear or helplessness.
He added that governance should prioritise people at the lowest rung of society and ensure that every section has the opportunity to live with dignity.
The Chief Minister said Punjab had a rich history shaped by gurus, saints, spiritual leaders and brave people, and had made important contributions to the country’s food security and border defence. He called for renewed social and moral efforts to address the challenges facing the state.
Saini highlights Haryana government’s welfare measures
During the address, Saini cited several initiatives of the Haryana government to present its record on welfare and employment.
He said around 40 lakh people were benefiting from the Ayushman scheme in Haryana. He also referred to government support for senior citizens’ medical treatment, housing assistance for two lakh families and monthly financial assistance of Rs 2,100 for women.
Saini further stated that the Haryana government had fulfilled 76 of the 217 commitments it had made to the public. These figures were cited by the Chief Minister during his speech.
He said the state government was seeking to connect poorer families with welfare programmes and provide jobs through a transparent process, which he described as recruitment without “parchi” and “kharchi”.
Haryana CM calls for a drug-free and prosperous Punjab
Saini described Haryana and Punjab as closely connected states with shared cultural, historical and social ties. He said the prosperity of Punjab was important to the wider region and called for a development-focused approach to governance.
He urged people to strengthen the campaign against drugs, promote social equality and preserve communal harmony. He also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” principle, saying that public welfare should extend across social groups.
The Chief Minister said Punjab needed to reconnect its young people with education, skills and employment rather than allow them to become trapped in substance abuse. He expressed hope that the state would overcome its current challenges and regain its position as a prosperous and progressive state.
The event was attended by Vipin Sabharwal, president of the Bhagwan Valmiki Utsav Committee and the programme’s chief organiser, along with religious leaders, representatives of local organisations and a large number of citizens.
