Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh —
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the media after the conclusion of the Budget Session 2026–27, said that the session commenced on February 20 with the Governor’s Address and concluded successfully. He informed that the session lasted for 13 days with 13 sittings, during which approximately 55 hours of positive and meaningful discussions were held.
The Chief Minister stated that he presented his second Budget as Finance Minister on March 2, which was discussed in detail for 10 hours and 3 minutes in the House. During this discussion, 7 members from the opposition spoke for 2 hours and 47 minutes, while 15 members from the Treasury benches spoke for 6 hours and 47 minutes. Independent members also shared their views.
He informed that three important resolutions were passed unanimously during the session. These included the dissolution of the Housing Board, repeal of the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993, and amendments related to the GST tax structure. In addition, provisions related to the ‘Viksit Bharat G RAM G Yojana' were also discussed, addressing concerns of the public and rural labourers.
The Chief Minister said that discussions were also held on various calling attention motions raised by legislators. Key issues included procurement of paddy and other crops, declining per-acre sugarcane yield in the state, and the discontinuation of services by private hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
He further informed that a total of eight Bills were discussed in the House. These included the Haryana Appropriation (No. 1 and 2) Bills, 2026, Haryana Extension Lecturers and Guest Lecturers (Security of Service) Amendment Bill, Travel Agents Registration and Regulation Amendment Bill, Police Amendment Bill, Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Amendment Bill, Urban Area Development Amendment Bill, and Land Consolidation Amendment Bill.
Referring to the lecture delivered by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat on natural farming on the final day of the session, the Chief Minister said that his guidance provided a new direction to the House.
Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said that the Rajya Sabha election was conducted in accordance with democratic procedures, in which their candidate Sanjay Bhatia emerged victorious. He said that the protests being carried out by Congress reflect its internal condition, and it is unclear what is happening within the party.
Taking a dig at Congress, he said that for the first time in the state, the party’s top leadership was seen acting as polling agents. He remarked that the Congress leadership no longer has trust in its own members and has also lost the confidence of the people. He added that even those who were working with honestly in the party are now losing faith.
Saini stated that the role of Congress in the Assembly was disappointing. He said they raised issues but left the House when it was time to listen to replies. He alleged that Congress lacks both clear policy and direction, which will further weaken the party in the future.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that contesting elections as an independent candidate is a democratic right and cannot be restricted. He accused Congress of undermining democratic values, stating that contradictions are clearly visible in the statements and conduct of its leaders.
Referring to Abhay Chautala, he said that in a democracy everyone has the right to vote or not vote. If any assurance was given, it should have been honoured.
The Chief Minister also stated that one of their votes was declared invalid, against which they had raised an objection with the Election Commission, but it was not accepted. Despite this, he said he respected the democratic process and accepted the decision.
In response to another question, he said that during the Rajya Sabha elections, INLD acted as the B-team of Congress and attempted to strengthen the party.