Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday, 13 September mounted a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, asserting that the people of the state demand development, employment, industrial security, and concrete solutions — not publicity stunts, jokes, and advertisements. Saini made the remarks while addressing a public meeting at Kakrala village in Patiala.

Key Allegations Against AAP's Punjab Government

'The AAP government has given Punjab more publicity than work and more advertisements than results,' Saini said, adding that 'repeating false claims does not strengthen an economy.' He argued that real economic progress depends on industries receiving security, youth getting employment, traders having confidence, farmers receiving remunerative prices, and government scheme benefits reaching citizens without discrimination.

The Haryana CM also took aim at the Congress, stating that it too had made sweeping promises to the people of Punjab but failed to honour them — a charge he extended equally to the current AAP dispensation. 'Jokes work in cinema halls, but among the people, the discussion is about work, development and solutions to public problems,' he said.

Haryana vs Punjab: The Economic Comparison

Saini drew a pointed contrast between the two neighbouring states to press his case. He noted that Haryana, which came into existence nearly 19 years after Punjab was formed, has significantly outpaced its older counterpart economically. In 2025-26, Haryana's real economic growth rate is estimated at 9.5%, while Punjab's stands at just 6.1% — a gap of 3.4 percentage points.

In 2026-27, Haryana's economy is estimated at approximately ₹15.18 lakh crore, compared to Punjab's ₹9.81 lakh crore — a difference of roughly ₹5.38 lakh crore. In 2023-24, Haryana's share in India's GDP stood at approximately 3.6% against Punjab's 2.4%. Haryana's per capita income was estimated at 176.8% of the national average, while Punjab's was just 106.7% — a dramatic reversal from a time when Punjab's per capita income was nearly twice the national average.

'This difference is due to the right policy, clear intent and accountable leadership,' Saini said.

Hundreds Join BJP at Patiala Meeting

The event also served as a political recruitment drive, with hundreds of people joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of the Chief Minister. Former Union Minister Preneet Kaur, Prof Malkit Singh, and other dignitaries attended the meeting.

Saini invoked the shared cultural heritage of the two states, paying homage to what he described as 'this great land of Gurus, Pirs and martyrs,' while arguing that Punjab's fertile land, hardworking population, and vast potential remain underutilised under the current government.

BJP's 217 Promises: Progress Report

Defending his own government's record, Saini stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP government in Haryana has delivered on its electoral commitments. Out of 217 promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections, 70 have already been fulfilled within 18 months of assuming office, he claimed.

With Punjab's next assembly election on the horizon, Saini's remarks signal an intensifying BJP push into a state it has long sought to break into — and the economic data comparisons are likely to feature prominently in the party's campaign narrative going forward.