Narnaul (Haryana), Sept 30: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed claims of infighting within the BJP and expressed confidence that the party will secure a third consecutive term in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. He labeled the Congress as a “shop of lies” and rejected any notion of anti-incumbency.
Saini, in a sharp attack against Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi, termed his “Haryana Sankalp Yatra” as mere political tourism. He remarked, “Rahul Gandhi is welcome to witness the development we have achieved in the last ten years, but he will face tough questions from voters regarding the ‘kharchi’ and ‘parchi’ (corruption and favoritism) rampant during Bhupinder Hooda’s tenure.”
No Infighting in BJP
Amid rumors of two senior BJP leaders, Rao Inderjit Singh and Anil Vij, staking claims for the top post, Saini affirmed that the party remains united. “There is no infighting or factionalism. We are a democratic party where anyone can raise their claim, but the decision of the Parliamentary Board will be final and accepted by all,” he said. He emphasized that both Singh and Vij are leading the election campaign alongside him.
Saini, who is contesting the polls from the Ladwa constituency, stressed that the voters will back the BJP for a “double engine” government, ensuring the party a hat-trick in the state.
BJP’s Development Focus
The BJP government, Saini said, has focused on development and transparency, making strides in reducing corruption and favoritism. He emphasized that under the BJP’s leadership, the kharchi-parchi system prevalent during Congress’ rule was abolished, and 1.5 lakh government jobs were distributed with transparency.
Highlighting the BJP’s achievements for farmers, Saini noted, “We are giving Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 24 crops, something no Congress-led state can claim.” The BJP has consistently targeted the Congress for failing to provide MSP and for encouraging a culture of favoritism during its tenure from 2004 to 2014.
BJP Rebels and Anti-Incumbency
When questioned about BJP rebels contesting as independents, Saini downplayed their impact, stating that while efforts were made to convince them to withdraw, their presence would not affect the party’s tally. He also dismissed the notion of anti-incumbency, stating that the opposition’s belief in BJP losing momentum after two terms is misplaced.
Saini pointed out that although the BJP lost five seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the losses were marginal and driven by a false narrative set by the opposition about the BJP’s stance on the Constitution. “We are ensuring the right message reaches voters to counter Congress’ misinformation campaign,” he added.
Promises for the Future
Ahead of the elections, the BJP has rolled out a comprehensive manifesto that includes promises of two lakh government jobs, establishing 10 industrial towns, ensuring government jobs for Agniveers, and offering full scholarships for Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Class students at government medical and engineering colleges.
Rahul Gandhi’s Campaign Criticized
Targeting Rahul Gandhi’s recent re-entry into the Haryana political scene, Saini referred to the Congress leader’s campaign as mere “political tourism” and accused the Congress of failing to value its senior leaders or deliver on its promises. “No senior Congress leader campaigned in Haryana till now, and suddenly, Gandhi is venturing into the state. The people of Haryana are smarter now and won’t fall for Congress’ shop of lies,” he remarked.
Poll Dynamics
The 90-member Haryana Assembly is set for elections on October 5, with counting scheduled for October 8. While the BJP is aiming for a third consecutive term, the Congress hopes to make a comeback after being out of power for the last 10 years.
