Haryana CM Nayab Saini Slams AAP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ Charge, Calls It “Baseless and Fabricated”

Delhi: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday strongly rejected allegations made by the Punjab unit of the Aam Aadmi Party that he attempted to poach one of its MLAs under a so-called “Operation Lotus.” Dismissing the charge as politically motivated, Saini said the claims were “baseless, fabricated and a desperate attempt to divert attention from AAP’s failures in governance.”

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Saini stated, “These allegations are completely false. They have been manufactured to mislead the public and to hide the shortcomings of the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab. I have neither contacted nor attempted to influence any MLA.” He added, “When a party fails to fulfil its promises, it looks for excuses and conspiracies to shift the focus.”

The controversy erupted after the Punjab ruling party alleged that the Haryana chief minister tried to persuade one of its legislators to resign and join the BJP. Reacting sharply, Saini said, “Instead of making wild allegations, AAP should answer why its promises to the people of Punjab remain unfulfilled. The people are asking questions, and rather than responding with accountability, they are indulging in drama.”

Taking aim at AAP’s governance record, Saini remarked, “First, they showed false dreams to the people of Delhi and deceived them. Then in Punjab, they made tall promises which have not been delivered. The result is visible—public dissatisfaction is growing.” He further claimed that law and order in Punjab has deteriorated and farmers are facing significant difficulties.

Referring to compensation for farmers affected by floods, Saini said, “In Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal spoke about giving ₹20,000 as compensation to farmers. But in Gujarat, he claimed that ₹50,000 had been given to farmers in Punjab. Which statement is true? Why are farmers being misled with different figures?” He described the discrepancy as an attempt to create confusion and said, “This is not politics of service; this is politics of manipulation.”

The Haryana chief minister also accused AAP of engaging in what he termed “pressure politics” and said the party must focus on governance rather than allegations. “The people gave them a mandate to serve, not to create controversies. They should fulfil the commitments made during elections,” he said.

On his recent visits to Punjab, Saini clarified that there was nothing political about them. “Punjab is like home to me. Whenever I receive an invitation, I go there. Punjab is the sacred land of the Gurus, and Haryana too has been blessed by their presence. There is a deep cultural and spiritual connection between our states,” he said.