Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Punjab and Haryana are not merely neighbouring states, but are deeply connected through blood relations, brotherhood, and shared cultural values. He said the people of Haryana have immense affection for Punjab and always stand with it in times of need.
Referring to the recent natural calamity in Punjab, the chief minister said when the people of Punjab were in distress, Haryana extended every possible support like an elder brother, reflecting the region’s rich traditions and values.
Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a large gathering during the Maghi Mela at Sri Muktsar Sahib on Wednesday.
Paying obeisance to the holy soil of Sri Muktsar Sahib, he said visiting this sacred and historic place was a matter of great honour for him. He described Sri Muktsar Sahib as a land immortalised in the golden chapters of history, where the Chali Mukte (40 liberated ones) laid down their lives for their beloved Guru Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
The chief minister said during the recent natural calamity in Punjab, the people of Haryana stood shoulder to shoulder with Punjab and extended support in every possible manner. However, he remarked that during this difficult period, some leaders failed to empathise with the suffering of the public.
He said while Haryana came forward to support Punjab during the crisis, the Punjab chief minister was nowhere to be seen during the disaster. The present Punjab government had made several promises to the public, but when it came to bear the responsibility, it appeared to evade accountability.
Saini further said that during the Haryana Assembly elections, the government had released a ‘Sankalp Patra’ highlighting 217 promises. Within one year, 54 Sankalp have already been fulfilled, and work on the remaining 163 is progressing swiftly. In contrast, he said, the promises made by the Punjab government have largely remained confined to paper.
Highlighting Haryana’s farmer-friendly policies, he said that the government had promised procurement of 24 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP), which has been fully implemented. Haryana has become the first state in India where all crops are procured at MSP rate. He added that farmers receive payment within 48 hours, and if any delay occurs, interest is also paid, ensuring transparency and trust.
The chief minister said when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was in power in Delhi, farmers of Haryana and Punjab were repeatedly blamed for stubble burning. Despite the AAP government being in power in Punjab for the past four years, no effective measures were taken to prevent stubble burning. In contrast, he said, the Haryana government is providing subsidies on agricultural machinery and an incentive of Rs. 1,200 per acre to farmers for stubble management.
He said that when the Central government introduced the VB G-RAM-G Act to ensure transparency and secure workers’ rights, the Punjab government convened a special Assembly session and passed a resolution opposing this Act. He said the resolution contained neither facts nor data nor constructive suggestions, and that the AAP government continues to oppose even pro-worker initiatives.
Saini said that the Haryana government is fully committed to farmers’ welfare, whether through the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana or compensation for crop damage. Recently, Rs 5 crore was provided as compensation for losses to houses and livestock caused by heavy rainfall, and Rs 116 crore has already been credited to farmers’ accounts for crop damage. He said that over the past 11 years, farmers in Haryana have received nearly Rs 15,500 crore in financial assistance.