New Delhi [India], May 1 (HBTV): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated India’s global stature over the past decade and that under his leadership, both India and Haryana are progressing steadily.

According to a release, Saini said that ‘over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has elevated India’s standing on the global stage and given the nation a new identity. Under his leadership, both the country and Haryana are progressing steadily.’ He added that the people of Punjab, who have placed their trust in various political parties but only received disappointment, now look to Prime Minister Modi for the state's development and prosperity.

The release mentioned that the Chief Minister made these remarks at a felicitation ceremony held in Zirakpur, where he was honoured by representatives of various Punjab-based organisations for his leadership and governance.

In his address, the Chief Minister said, ‘Whenever I interact with the youth of Punjab, I see strong enthusiasm and a commitment to support the vision of Prime Minister Modi. The youth and farmers of Punjab are eager to walk shoulder to shoulder with the Prime Minister and move forward toward a brighter future.’

Reflecting on Haryana’s journey, Nayab Singh Saini said that since the BJP government came to power in the state in 2014, people have continuously expressed their trust and support. He recalled that when he took oath as Chief Minister on March 12, 2024, he had promised to provide 25,000 government jobs. Though implementation was delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct being imposed 56 days later, he fulfilled his commitment by issuing appointments prior to his swearing-in.

The release stated that under PM Modi’s leadership, all government policies are centred on public welfare. In Haryana, all crops are being procured at Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the Chief Minister said he had advised the Punjab government to adopt the same model, which was not accepted. ‘When the BJP forms the government in Punjab, we will ensure procurement at MSP for farmers there too. Just like in Haryana, we will not allow the respect of Punjab’s farmers to diminish,’ he said.

He added that the Haryana government not only guarantees full price for crops but also ensures direct compensation to farmers in the event of crop damage. Drawing a comparison, he said, ‘During the tenure of the previous Congress government, farmers received only INR 1,155 crore in compensation. In contrast, the current BJP government has disbursed INR 14,500 crore over the past 10 years.’

The Chief Minister also stated that although Haryana is considered Punjab’s younger brother, it has now surpassed Punjab in terms of development. He credited this progress to the welfare-oriented policies of the state government, claiming that Haryana is currently advancing at three times the pace. He asserted that similar progress would be achieved in Punjab once a BJP government is formed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Highlighting the success of health schemes in Haryana, he said that over 20 lakh beneficiaries have received free treatment under the Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu Yojana, with the state government covering expenses worth INR 6,500 crore. He noted that Haryana had fully implemented PM Modi’s announcement to extend Ayushman benefits to senior citizens above 70 years of age, resulting in 12,000 elderly citizens receiving free healthcare.

He further stated that India is undergoing transformative change under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. ‘In 2014, the Prime Minister set a goal for India to become the fifth-largest economy. Now, we are on the path to becoming the third-largest economic power by 2027,’ he said.

He also mentioned that the BJP had promised the people of Delhi that Ayushman card benefits would be extended upon formation of a BJP government, and that people in Delhi have now begun receiving benefits under Ayushman Bharat.

Appealing to the people of Punjab, Nayab Singh Saini said, ‘Only when a BJP-led government is formed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi will the poor, farmers, and every section of society receive the benefits of government schemes, and Punjab too will move forward on the path of development.’

The release noted that the event was attended by several dignitaries, including former Speaker of the Haryana Legislative Assembly Gian Chand Gupta and former MP from Punjab, Preneet Kaur.

(ANI)