Chandigarh, Feb 21 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday criticized the AAP government in Punjab over the drug problem, alleging that it was "wasting" money on newspaper advertisements for its anti-drug campaign but taking no concrete action.
Addressing the Bhagwant Mann government on gang activities in the state, Saini said that "no one feels safe in Punjab now".
On the issue of law and order, Saini said that no one felt safe in the state. "When the BJP forms the government in Punjab in 2027, the gangster culture will be eliminated."
"I have seen that in Punjab, only money was being spent on newspaper advertisements with claims that they would end drugs and run campaigns against drugs," Saini said, dismissing the AAP government's claims.
"The increasing drug problem in Punjab is dangerous for our youth," he said.
In a 'Save Punjab' rally in Amritsar, Saini appealed to the people of Punjab to give the BJP an opportunity in the 2027 Assembly elections for development and good governance.
He expressed confidence that Punjab will play a decisive role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resolve to make India a developed nation by 2047.
Saini also assured that once a BJP government is formed, effective control will be imposed on organized crime in Punjab.
Earlier in the day at the Punjab BJP event in Chandigarh, Saini lauded the BJP-led central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and said that the country has achieved new heights and is growing at a rapid pace.
He spoke about road connectivity, rail network, and other infrastructure developments carried out in the last 11 years.
Saini also accused the AAP government of trying to prevent his programs in Punjab.
"I have programs in different places in Punjab. But the government here is trying to stop them in order to hide its failures," he claimed.
The Haryana CM has been frequently visiting Punjab and highlighting his government's work to the people of the neighboring state.
The Punjab assembly elections are due in early 2027.
Saini said the Haryana government has provided government jobs through a transparent process without "corruption and favoritism".
In the past year, approximately 37,000 youth have been given government employment. Recently, recruitment for 12,500 posts has been announced, which are being filled with complete transparency to ensure equal opportunities for youth from all sections.
Haryana has carved out its identity in the sports field, with many of its sportspersons winning medals in the Olympics, Asian Games and other international sports events, as he asserted that the state government has been promoting sports in a big way.
On the drug menace in Punjab, Saini alleged that narcotics supply has increased in the state and no work has been done to stop it.
Asking the youth to stay away from drugs, he added that nobody has the right to ruin their future.
Saini, however, said his government in Haryana was taking strict action against hardcore criminals involved in drugs, claiming that their properties were being demolished.
The Haryana CM said it is only the BJP which can take Punjab on the path of prosperity and progress.
Targeting the Congress and the AAP in Punjab, Saini said these parties were allegedly involved in "promoting corruption and spreading drugs". These parties do not worry about youths' future, he claimed.
In Amritsar, Saini said Punjab is not just a state but the soul of India.
This is the sacred land from where the message of 'Sarbat da Bhala' (welfare of all) spread across the world from Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is the same place where Jallianwala Bagh still bears testimony to the sacrifices of the freedom struggle. Punjab has given Mother India immortal sons such as Bhagat Singh, Udham Singh, and Sukhdev, he said.
Raising the slogan of 'Punjab Bachao' on such a great land brings pain but strengthens resolve, he said.
Saini said it is time for introspection – whether Punjab's youth are moving towards a secure and confident future, or being pushed into the darkness of drugs and despair.
Whether farmers are breathing a sigh of relief or are burdened under debt and uncertain policies. Whether traders are conducting business fearlessly or living under the shadow of extortion and insecurity, he said.
Targeting the Congress and AAP governments, he said decades of Congress rule "weakened" Punjab through corruption and lax administration.
He said that even after the Aam Aadmi Party came to power, people's expectations have not been fulfilled.
Despite more than four years in office, drugs have not been completely eradicated, nor have large-scale employment opportunities been provided to youth, he claimed.
He demanded that the Punjab government issue a white paper detailing how many youths were given permanent employment in recent years and what concrete action has been taken against drug trafficking.