New Delhi

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress, alleging that the party has failed to uphold the decorum and responsibility expected of an Opposition in Parliament.

Addressing reporters, Saini said the Congress should revisit the life and parliamentary conduct of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to understand how the Opposition ought to function.

“The Congress, which claims the role of Opposition, is unable to discharge even that responsibility. Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as Leader of the Opposition with dignity and respect. Congress should study his life. It appears they have forgotten parliamentary decorum,” he said.

Saini’s remarks come in the wake of repeated disruptions during the first phase of the Budget Session, which led to the Lok Sabha being adjourned for extended periods. Opposition members staged protests on several issues, including the India–US trade deal, the Union Budget for 2026–27, and comments by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi referencing an unpublished memoir of former Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane.

The Lok Sabha has now been adjourned until March 9, when the second phase of the session will begin.

Escalating his criticism, the Haryana Chief Minister compared the tenures of successive governments, stating that despite ruling for a much shorter period, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly changed the country’s trajectory.

“Congress governed for 55 years, while PM Modi has been in office for 11. Despite having five times more time, what did Congress deliver? The nation remained trapped in corruption and development was stalled. In just 11 years, PM Modi has transformed the country,” Saini said, accusing the Congress of being involved in multiple scams during its time in power.

He further alleged that the Congress has been misleading and instigating farmers in Haryana and claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is following a similar approach.

The comments come amid protests against the proposed India–US interim trade agreement, with several farm and trade unions calling for a nationwide strike. Critics of the deal argue that it could open India’s agricultural market to certain imports, potentially impacting domestic farmers.

Saini also said he had earlier raised the issue with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to ensure a Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism for crops, similar to what is followed in Haryana.

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“Congress misleads and intimidates farmers with false promises. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is doing the same by following Congress’s script,” he added.