Divisive politics: Bajwa slams BJP as Haryana CM campaigns in city

Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa on Sunday accused the BJP of attempting to create divisions in Punjab’s society by sending Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to campaign for the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll.

Bajwa said Saini’s presence in Punjab was a cruel reminder of the BJP’s “anti-Punjab policies and its continued efforts to weaken the state’s unity”.

Bajwa condemned Nayab Singh Saini for his “repeated attacks on Punjab and its people” ever since assuming power in Haryana.

“The people of Punjab have not forgotten the tragedy in which the Haryana Police fired upon peaceful farmers protesting for their legitimate rights,” he said.

Bajwa also highlighted the killing of 22 year old farmer Shubhkaran Singh, who was allegedly shot dead by the Haryana Police while protesting at Punjab’s Khanauri border with Haryana in February 2024. He also accused Saini of trying to rob Punjab of its rightful share of river waters.

“The BJP, through leaders like Saini, has made several attempts to snatch Punjab’s waters, ignoring the legal, historical and moral rights of Punjabis. Such moves directly attack the livelihood of our farmers and the very backbone of Punjab’s economy,” Bajwa added. Bajwa accused Saini of politicising the Bhakra Beas Management Board water-sharing issue. “Saini brazenly accused Punjab of denying Haryana even drinking water,” he said.

“Sending Saini to campaign here is an insult to every Punjabi. The BJP wants to provoke sentiments, create communal, regional and caste divisions to exploit emotions for electoral gains,” he added.