Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday criticised the AAP government in Punjab over what he described as a growing drug menace, crime and corruption, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Saini said it was concerning that Punjab, which once led the country in several fields, was facing increasing challenges related to employment and the future of its youth. He urged people to work together to restore the state's prosperity and rebuild a vibrant and prosperous "Rangla Punjab".The chief minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the regional office and Arogya Kendra of Bharat Vikas Parishad at Chhatwal in Pathankot on November 14.According to PTI, Saini also questioned the fairness and transparency of recruitment for government jobs in Punjab.
Comparing the process with Haryana, he said government jobs in his state were being provided strictly on merit. Highlighting the Haryana government's development and welfare initiatives, Saini said nearly two lakh young people had secured government jobs over the past 12 years through a transparent recruitment system based solely on merit.He said recruitment in Haryana was now determined entirely by merit and eligibility, removing the need for applicants to approach MLAs, ministers or even the chief minister for jobs.
He added that the government had protected the identities of candidates during the selection process to prevent political recommendations or undue influence. On farmer welfare, Saini said all crops grown in Haryana were being purchased at the Minimum Support Price.
He said the government had announced sugarcane prices for the next two crushing seasons, setting the rate at Rs 430 per quintal for 2026-27 and Rs 450 per quintal for 2027-28.The revised rates would raise farmers' income by about Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 per acre, he said.Speaking about Bharat Vikas Parishad, Saini described the organisation as a living embodiment of service to humanity and nationalism. He said it was a privilege to inaugurate two of its projects and referred to its work in the spirit of the Gurus' message of "Sarbat Da Bhala".Saini said Pathankot had a rich history and that its traditions of religious faith and valour continued to inspire generations.
The forts of Shahpur Kandi and Nurpur stood as testimony to the region's historical heritage and the bravery of Rajput rulers, he added.He said Bharat Vikas Parishad was established in 1963 and was inspired by the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, who envisioned an India that was self-confident, proud of its cultural heritage and committed to serving humanity.Saini's address focused on his criticism of the Punjab government, Haryana's merit-based recruitment and farmer welfare measures, and the work of Bharat Vikas Parishad.- Ends(With PTI inputs)