Chandigarh/Sri Muktsar Sahib, January 14
Punjab and Haryana are not merely neighbouring states; they are bound by culture, history and blood relations. When Punjab faced a natural calamity, the people of Haryana came forward wholeheartedly to help, but at that time, the AAP government of Punjab and Ex-Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were nowhere to be seen. This was stated by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini while addressing a rally during the first conference organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab on the occasion of the Maghi Mela at the sacred land of Sri Muktsar Sahib, the land of the 40 Muktas.
Saini accused the AAP government of failing to fulfil promises made to farmers, saying that even after four years, Punjab’s farmers are still waiting for justice. In contrast, the BJP’s double-engine government in Haryana is providing farmers with crop procurement at MSP, timely payments, compensation for crop losses, health schemes, and social welfare benefits. He said that Sikh history symbolises valour, sacrifice, and the path of truth. Paying homage to the unparalleled martyrdom of the 40 Muktas, he said that under the leadership of Bhai Maha Singh and Mai Bhago, the Muktas laid down their lives at the feet of the Tenth Master, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and attained true liberation.
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, while paying homage to the great martyrdom of the 40 Muktas during the first-ever state-level conference organised by the BJP at Sri Muktsar Sahib on the holy occasion of Maghi, said that the party is moving forward with full commitment for the welfare of Punjab with the blessings of the Guru Sahibs. He said that the BJP understands its responsibility towards Punjab and that only the BJP can pull the state out of the current difficult phase.
Jakhar said that Punjab today is facing serious challenges such as drugs, corruption, gangsterism, and a deteriorating law and order situation. He claimed that to strengthen social harmony and move forward on the path of development, there is a need for a strong and capable government like the BJP. Referring to steps taken by the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that several historic decisions—such as the opening of the Kartarpur Corridor—were taken, which previous governments had never even imagined. He strongly condemned the statement of Congress state in-charge Bhupesh Baghel, who termed the appointment of Charanjit Singh Channi as Chief Minister in 2021 a “mistake”. Jakhar said that if the Congress considers appointing a person from the SC community as Chief Minister a mistake, it reflects the party’s divisive mindset, which Punjab will never accept.
Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party, Jakhar said that corruption has peaked during the tenure of the present government, and the law and order situation has become extremely bad. He asserted that only the BJP can pull Punjab out of these circumstances.
Punjab BJP Working State President Ashwani Sharma, while addressing the rally said that this land inspires us to stand against oppression. He said that the atmosphere in Punjab today is alarming and the rule of law in the state has almost collapsed. Launching a sharp attack on the AAP government, Sharma said that the government formed on the promise of a “Rangla Punjab” has reduced Punjab to penury. He claimed that incidents of firing, murders and crime are occurring daily in the state. A government that cannot ensure the safety of its sarpanches and public representatives cannot keep ordinary citizens safe.
Referring to Valtoha village, Ashwani Sharma said that after the murder of the sarpanch, the entire village is living in fear, with people facing threats of displacement or extortion. He said that people in border areas themselves are saying that they now want the strict rule of law. He also cornered the AAP government on issues of MGNREGA, welfare schemes for the poor, and farmers. Ashwani Sharma said that funds sent by the central government did not reach the poor, and promises made to farmers regarding MSP remained unfulfilled. He claimed that in Haryana, the BJP government provides MSP on 24 crops. Only the BJP, he said, can bring rule of law, drug eradication, and development to Punjab. He called upon people to unite to build a “Sohna Punjab”.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu launched sharp attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party, the Congress, and the Akali Dal. He said that during previous governments—whether Congress or Akali—those involved in sacrilege, loot, and the drug trade were never punished, and today the Aam Aadmi Party is following the same path. Bittu alleged that the AAP misused government buses and resources to mobilise crowds for rallies. Around 6,000 employees from across the state were deployed for security and every bus was closely monitored, reflecting misuse of the government machinery.
Referring to comments made about the Guru Sahibs in the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Union Minister Bittu said that this amounted to an insult to Sikhism and the sentiments of Punjabis. He demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann publicly apologise and clarify that he has no connection with the remarks made about the Guru Sahibs. He also levelled serious allegations of corruption against the AAP, claiming that money was being deposited abroad and proper accounts were not presented before investigative agencies. Bittu said that a “double-engine” government is essential for the progress of the country and Punjab, and appealed to people to vote unitedly in favour of the BJP.
Former Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh Anurag Thakur paid homage to the martyrdom of the 40 Muktas and said that under the leadership of Guru Gobind Singh, these brave martyrs made unparalleled sacrifices to protect religion, the Panth and the nation. He also paid tributes to Mai Bhago Ji and Mata Bhag Kaur. Launching a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party, Thakur condemned the former Delhi Chief Minister’s remarks about the Guru Sahibs and said such disrespect cannot be tolerated. He demanded clarification and an apology from Bhagwant Mann. He said that to put Punjab back on the path of progress, people must unite to strengthen the BJP.
