Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini criticized opposition parties for resorting to baseless allegations when their popularity among the public declines. Speaking at a programme in Chandigarh on Thursday, he dismissed claims such as “Operation Lotus” being raised in response to the BJP’s growing support in Punjab, calling them unfounded and a reflection of political frustration.
CM Nayab Singh Saini stated that the public is increasingly comparing governments and seeking better alternatives. He emphasized that the people of Punjab now desire peace and development, which only the BJP can deliver. Drawing a parallel with Haryana’s progress, he said Punjab is also ready for positive change.
MSP Procurement Record and Farmer Welfare
The Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini issued an open challenge to the opposition on the topic of Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement, asserting that data clearly demonstrates the government’s achievements. He said the opposition prefers keeping farmers engaged in protests, while the government focuses on enabling them to grow and contribute to the state and nation’s prosperity. Notably, Haryana has achieved the procurement of 24 crops at MSP, setting a national record — a milestone he described as reality, not a slogan.
Trade Deals to Benefit Farmers and Industry
CM Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the benefits of trade agreements with the United States and European Union, stating that Haryana farmers will gain access to the US market for basmati rice, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. Similarly, trade with the EU will create opportunities in textiles, automobiles, and heavy engineering, boosting the state’s economy.
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Nayab Singh Saini : Old-Age Pension Clarifications
Responding to allegations of cuts in old-age pensions, the Chief Minister called such claims misleading and aimed at cheap political gain. He explained that of the approximately two lakh cases cited by the opposition, over 1.03 lakh beneficiaries had passed away, around 37,000 had incorrect age records, and nearly 39,000 cases were pending verification.
Nayab Singh Saini further noted that in 1992, the Congress government set the income limit at ₹10,000, which remained unchanged until 2009. In 2023, the current government increased the income limit from ₹2 lakh to ₹3 lakh, expanding the beneficiary base to 17.98 lakh, with over 20 lakh elderly persons currently receiving pensions. CM Saini highlighted that while pension hikes were minimal under previous regimes (₹200 during INLD rule and ₹700 during 10 years of Congress), the present government has raised pensions by ₹2,200 over 11 years, describing it as a historic increase.
Transparency in HPSC Recruitment
Rejecting opposition claims about Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) recruitments, CM Saini emphasized that the process is fully transparent, with merit as the sole criterion. The earlier system of favoritism and “parchi-kharchi” has been eliminated. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have publicly praised Haryana’s recruitment system, citing it as a model for other states.
CM Nayab Singh Saini concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, transparency, and inclusive development, highlighting the BJP-led administration’s focus on progress and accountability in Haryana.