CM reviews arrangements for PM Modi’s Hisar visit

Describing the airport being set up in Hisar as a milestone in the development of the region, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that it would not only benefit Haryana, but would provide services to parts of Punjab and Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister was addressing a press conference after holding a high-level meeting of the top officials of the state government to review the arrangements ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit on April 14. Modi is scheduled to inaugurate domestic flights from Hisar airport.

The Chief Minister said that the PM would also lay the foundation stone for a new terminal at the airport.

Saini termed the airport a “gift from the Prime Minister” that would drive regional economic growth, attract industries and create employment. The airport spans over 7,200 acres, with 2,000 acres already secured by boundary walls.

Responding to concerns over safety, the CM assured that stray animals entering the campus were being relocated, and complete safety measures would soon be in place.

Reacting to the allegations of former Power Minister and Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala, Saini said that Surjewala and Bhupinder Singh Hooda have been misleading the public on electricity tariffs and service quality to consumers.

Saini claimed that the entire state had witnessed prolonged and severe power cuts during the Congress regime. He said, “There was a time when Haryana barely got four hours of electricity.” Taking a jibe at Surjewala, he said during the Congress tenure, even a storm in Pakistan led to power cuts here. Today, we’re delivering 24-hour power.”

Citing specific data, he explained how electricity bills have come down significantly under the BJP-led government. For example in 2013-14, 25 units used to cost Rs 200 in the Congress regime which now costs only Rs 55, he said. Similarly, 100 units were charged Rs 378 which are now billed Rs 235. 300 units were charged Rs 1,316 which is now charged Rs 1,230, he said.

The Chief Minister asserted that the Congress created multiple billing slabs that burdened the public. “We rationalised this system. Today, bills are lower and service is better,” he said. He also challenged Hooda and Surjewala to come before the public and debate with facts.

Haryana Tribune