Cong’s ‘Parchi-Kharchi’ Culture Gone, Haryana Progressing Under BJP: CM Saini

CHANDIGARH, Oct 17: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday accused the Congress of promoting corruption, nepotism and regional discrimination during its tenure, asserting that the state has moved towards greater transparency and development under the BJP government.

Addressing a press conference to mark two years of the BJP’s third consecutive term in Haryana, Saini said the state had left behind the “parchi-kharchi” culture associated with the previous Congress regime. The expression refers to alleged political favouritism and monetary considerations in securing jobs and other benefits.

Comparing the two parties’ approaches to governance, the chief minister said the BJP viewed political power as an opportunity to serve the public rather than exercise authority. He added that the welfare and aspirations of Haryana’s 2.80 crore residents remained central to the government’s decisions.

Saini alleged that government recruitment under the Congress had frequently been influenced by political recommendations and financial considerations, undermining merit-based selection. He also accused the previous administration of allowing irregularities across several sectors and restricting development to certain parts of the state while neglecting others.

The chief minister said the Congress had repeatedly failed to fulfil its commitments, leading voters to reject the party through democratic elections. He also criticised its leadership for attempting to reconnect with the public after remaining inaccessible during its years in office.

Expressing gratitude to Haryana’s residents for supporting the BJP, Saini said his government was committed to transparency, accountability, responsive administration and inclusive growth. He described the completion of two years in the party’s current term as an opportunity to strengthen efforts towards building a prosperous state.

The BJP secured a third consecutive victory in the Haryana Assembly elections in October 2024, with Saini taking oath as chief minister for a second time. He had first assumed the post in March 2024, succeeding Manohar Lal Khattar, who is now a Union minister and the BJP’s Lok Sabha member from Karnal.

Outlining the government’s long-term priorities, Saini said Haryana was working towards becoming one of India’s leading developed states in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

He said the concept of “Viksit Haryana, Viksit Bharat” guided the state’s policies, with an emphasis on improving farmers’ incomes, supporting economically weaker sections, expanding employment opportunities for young people, ensuring women’s welfare and strengthening education and healthcare.

The chief minister claimed that 76 of the 217 commitments made in the BJP’s manifesto for the 2024 Assembly elections had been fulfilled within two years. Work on the remaining 141 promises was in progress, he added.

Highlighting welfare measures, Saini referred to the Deen Dayal Lado Lakshmi Yojana, which provides eligible women financial assistance of Rs 2,100 per month. He also cited the government’s policy of procuring all crops at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a key measure aimed at supporting the farming community.

Saini further highlighted the Centre’s contribution to Haryana’s development, saying Modi had visited the state 18 times and announced projects worth more than Rs 86,000 crore during these visits.

He said the government would continue to focus on public welfare, economic growth and equal access to development opportunities, regardless of a citizen’s regional or social background.