Haryana CM Saini in Punjab’s Dhuri: Jokes can run cinema halls, not Governments
Speaking in Dhuri, Saini accuses AAP of failing farmers and youth, pitches BJP’s ‘double-engine government’ model for Punjab
Babushahi Bureau
Dhuri (Punjab), June 7, 2026: Launching a sharp political attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said that “jokes can run cinema halls, but they cannot run governments,” as he called for political change in the state and urged voters to support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the next Assembly elections.
Addressing a large public gathering in Dhuri, the Assembly constituency represented by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Saini claimed that people were becoming increasingly disillusioned with what he described as the AAP government’s “false promises and hollow assurances.”
“The enthusiasm visible among the people of Dhuri reflects a strong desire for change,” Saini said, alleging that Punjab had fallen behind in development despite once being among the country’s leading states.
The Haryana Chief Minister accused AAP leaders of projecting themselves as agents of change while allegedly taking credit for the work of others to conceal their own shortcomings. Referring to Dhuri, he said the constituency had not received the level of attention it deserved despite being represented by the state’s Chief Minister.
Saini also targeted the Punjab government’s anti-drug campaign, alleging that the fight against narcotics was largely confined to advertisements rather than visible action on the ground.
Turning to the issue of agriculture, he said Punjab’s farmers had placed their trust in AAP during the 2022 Assembly elections but were still awaiting several promised benefits. He alleged that farmers had not received adequate compensation for crop losses and claimed that MSP-related commitments had not been fully met.
Drawing comparisons with Haryana, Saini said his government procures all eligible crops at Minimum Support Price and provides compensation to farmers affected by natural calamities. He claimed that Haryana had distributed financial assistance worth ₹16,500 crore following crop losses caused by floods and excessive rainfall and ensured timely payments to farmers through digital systems.
The BJP leader said Punjab had moved from Congress rule to AAP rule in the hope of better governance but was yet to witness the promised transformation. In contrast, he argued, the BJP focused on implementing commitments rather than merely making them.
Highlighting the welfare initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Saini said several flagship schemes had benefited farmers, women, youth and economically weaker sections across the country. He asserted that Punjab could also accelerate its development if it embraced what he described as the BJP’s “double-engine government” model.
The Haryana Chief Minister further highlighted employment generation initiatives in his state, claiming that government jobs had been provided on merit without political influence. He also cited welfare measures related to women, senior citizens, housing and healthcare.
Comparing social welfare programmes in Haryana and Punjab, Saini claimed that Haryana offers higher old-age pensions and broader healthcare coverage through schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu. He also referred to financial assistance programmes for women and subsidised LPG cylinders.
Appealing to voters to support the BJP in future elections, Saini said the next Assembly polls would determine Punjab’s future development trajectory, employment opportunities for youth and prosperity for farmers.
“The election is not merely about choosing a government; it is about shaping Punjab’s future,” he said, while urging people to support a governance model focused on accountability, development and public welfare.
Among those present at the event were newly appointed Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, state BJP leaders Subhash Sharma and Randeep Singh Doel, district president Sarjeevan Jindal, Dr. Omkar Singh, Satwant Singh Poonia, Sukhwinder Grewal, Nripender Singh and other party leaders.