Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday, 1 June 2025, launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, declaring that the state's law and order situation had become 'alarming' and that the recently concluded municipal elections were marred by alleged irregularities. Speaking to reporters in Kapurthala, Saini accused the AAP and the Indian National Congress (Congress) of sharing an ideological alignment and working in tandem.

Allegations Over Municipal Elections

Saini cited the conduct of the just-concluded Punjab municipal elections as evidence of what he called a deteriorating democratic environment. He alleged that the state government's decision to hold the polls via ballot papers — rather than electronic voting machines — reflected an apprehension about facing defeat in a transparent process. The manner in which law and order was allegedly compromised during the polls, he said, had raised serious questions about the health of the state's democratic institutions.

Broken Promises and Governance Failures

The Haryana chief minister accused the AAP government of making sweeping pre-election promises that remained largely unfulfilled. He argued that the public had grown wise to the gap between announcements and on-ground delivery. 'Development cannot be achieved merely through announcements and false assurances,' Saini said, calling on the AAP government to publicly account for how many of its electoral commitments had actually been met.

He said the expected pace of development works had not been achieved and that the security situation in the state had continuously deteriorated. Gangster and criminal activities have increased in Punjab, he alleged, generating a growing sense of insecurity among ordinary citizens.

Anti-Drug Campaign Under Fire

Saini also took aim at the AAP government's flagship anti-drug programme, 'Yudh Nashe Virudh', saying it had failed to deliver the expected results. 'Instead of taking concrete measures to protect the youth from drug abuse and eradicate the menace, more focus is on publicity,' he said. He argued that the government should have made more serious efforts in this direction, but that desired outcomes were not visible on the ground.

Haryana's 'Double-Engine' Model as Contrast

Saini held up Haryana's governance record as a counterpoint, citing the integration of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Scheme with the state's Chirayu Scheme as an example of direct public welfare delivery. He said lakhs of families in Haryana had been provided access to better healthcare facilities through this convergence, and that effective steps had been taken to ensure free treatment for the poor and needy.

He expressed confidence that the people of Punjab were increasingly placing their trust in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his development-oriented policies, and predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would come to power in Punjab in the coming period. He added that the people 'want development, good governance and accountability in politics and will no longer be satisfied with mere promises.'

Visit to Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas

Earlier in the day, Saini visited Dera Radha Soami Satsang Beas and paid a courtesy call on Dera chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon. During the meeting, the Chief Minister sought his blessings and held discussions on various social and spiritual issues. The visit carries political significance given the Dera's considerable following across Punjab and Haryana.

With Punjab assembly elections on the horizon, Saini's remarks signal an intensifying BJP campaign strategy that seeks to frame the AAP government's record on security, governance, and welfare as the central electoral battleground.