Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini has categorically ruled out the possibility of an Akali-BJP alliance for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections. When asked if the recent meeting in New Delhi between Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sparked such speculation, the Chief Minister stated that the Prime Minister represents the country’s 1.4 billion people and is free to meet anyone.
Nayab Saini remarked that the Prime Minister’s doors are always open, and leaders from any political party can meet him. Shiromani Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal had made a surprise visit to Delhi last week to meet PM Narendra Modi; this meeting had fueled speculation about a potential alliance between the two parties.
Saini asserted, “Our alliance is with the people of Punjab; we will form the government in Punjab with a full majority.” He clearly stated that the BJP’s alliance in Punjab is not with any political party but with the state’s populace. Saini claimed that a BJP government would be formed in Punjab following the upcoming Assembly elections.
Last week, Akali Dal President Sukhbir Singh Badal met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House. Reacting to this, Saini reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi represents the nation’s 1.4 billion citizens and can meet anyone. He noted that it is inappropriate to link the meeting between the Prime Minister and Sukhbir Badal solely to a potential BJP-Akali alliance. Taking a dig at the situation, he remarked that some people had even started celebrating, assuming that the Prime Minister had finally granted an audience to Sukhbir Badal. Saini also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, alleging that the administration led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has surpassed even the Congress party in terms of corruption.
Saini also questioned the Punjab government regarding the ‘Maavan-Dhiyan’ (Mothers-Daughters) scheme launched for women. He pointed out that while there is talk of providing cash handouts to women as elections approach, other benefits such as widow pensions are simultaneously being discontinued. Saini alleged that the government is trying to mislead the public by making such announcements ahead of the elections.
