Taking a dig at the opposition on Sunday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has enhanced the nation’s prestige at the global level, and the BJP governments at the Centre and states where they are in power have launched several welfare schemes for the poor; the Opposition cannot digest this, he said. ย
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“Had they worked then, they would not be blaming EVMs today,” said Saini.
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The chief minister then criticised the Opposition for alleged abuses hurled at the PMโs mother during the recent ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ of the Congress in poll-bound Bihar. He said the Opposition should talk about development works and achievements during their tenure.
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Answering about the 50 per cent US tariffs on Indian goods coming into effect on Wednesday, Saini said the country’s leadership is in strong hands and India has the ability to deal with any situation.
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He said September 17 is Prime Minister Modi’s birthday, and ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ will start from that day. Through this, services will be provided to the poor, needy, and the physically challenged. Welfare societies, traders, and other organisations will be included in this campaign, which will continue till October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
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Saini addressed the youths during the cyclothon event in Kurukshetra on Sunday. He also played volleyball with the players at the sports complex, while he launched a ‘Swachh Kurukshetra: Mera Kurukshetra, Mera Abhiman’ campaign organised by the Haryana Sports Department. Tribute was also paid by the Haryana chief minister to the Hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. ย
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August 29 was celebrated as the National Sports Day in memory of Major Dhyan Chand, who is widely regarded as the greatest field hockey player in history. He led the Indian hockey team to such heights that the country won three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932, and 1936, something that is a matter of pride for any nation, Saini cited. ย
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Asked the youth to partake more in sports:
Saini called upon the youths to make sports an integral part of their lives and follow the path of discipline, hard work, and dedication like Major Dhyan Chand. He said the theme of this year’s National Sports Day is ‘One Hour on the Playground’.
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“This means we should dedicate at least an hour every day to sports to remain physically and mentally fit. Only then can we realise the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Fit India, Hit India’,” he said.
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Addressing the players, Saini said that Prime Minister Modi has set a target of making India a sports superpower before the 2036 Olympics.
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Due to the state government’s efforts, he said, Haryana is now called the ‘Nursery of Sports’, and โour players have brought glory to India at the international level, ‘ whether in the Olympics, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Gamesโ, he added.