Speaking exclusively at Panchayat AajTak event, the Haryana Chief Minister responded to questions about the BJP’s prospects in the state, asserting that in the last 10 years, the state has witnessed significant progress.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini addressed a wide range of issues, including the BJP’s defeat in five Lok Sabha seats, farmers’ concerns, and the state’s wrestlers, during his appearance at the Panchayat AajTak Haryana 2024 event on Monday.

During the session, Saini responded to questions about the BJP’s prospects in Haryana, asserting that in the last 10 years, the state has witnessed significant progress without any discrimination. “People understand that our intentions are honest. In some cases, work is still pending, but we are committed to resolving them soon”, Saini stated.

On anti-incumbency and the BJP’s loss of five Lok Sabha seats, Saini dismissed any claims of public dissatisfaction, calling it a “fabricated narrative”. He accused the Congress of spreading misinformation, saying, “They wrote this false script two years ago and applied it in Himachal Pradesh. But their promises remain unfulfilled, from providing jobs to distributing cash”.

Saini also criticised Congress for misleading the public, especially regarding reservations. “They spread lies that if Modi government is re-elected, the Constitution and reservations will be abolished. However, it was Congress leaders like Rahul Gandhi who, during his visit to the US, said that reservations would be removed if they returned to power,” he claimed.

ON WRESTLER VINESH PHOGAT ROW

Responding to recent statements by wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who claimed she received no support from the Haryana government, Chief Minister Saini clarified that they had scheduled a date to honour her, but the model code of conduct for elections had delayed it. He criticised the Congress for “using athletes for political gain”.

ON AGNIVEER SCHEME

Chief Minister Saini spoke about his government’s support for the Agniveer scheme, stating that 10% reservation has been approved for Agniveers in all state jobs. He also mentioned financial assistance for those looking to start their own businesses post-service.

The event also featured several political heavyweights, including former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and senior Congress leaders Kumari Selja, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Raj Babbar. Wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik also attended, along with BJP leaders like state president Mohan Lal Badoli and central ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Krishnapal Gurjar.