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Amit Shah praises Vij's determination, Khattar's bold reforms and Saini's swift governance in Haryana

Ambala, Nov 5 (UNI) union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday singled out three senior Haryana BJP leaders for their contributions to the state's development, praising Anil Vij's determination in getting the 1857 martyrs' memorial built, former Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's bold governance reforms and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's ability to deliver results swiftly.
Addressing a public gathering at Gandhi Ground in Ambala Cantonment after inaugurating the memorial dedicated to the heroes of the 1857 uprising, Shah credited the three leaders with carrying forward Haryana's development over nearly 12 years of BJP rule.
"Nayab Singh Saini speaks less, but he is very quick when it comes to getting work done," Shah said, expressing confidence that the state government would fulfil all the commitments made in the BJP's election manifesto before the next Assembly elections in 2029.
"When we come to seek votes in 2029, we will have fulfilled all the promises made to the people of Haryana," he said.
The Home Minister reserved special praise for Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij, acknowledging his sustained efforts to establish the memorial honouring freedom fighters whose contributions had received limited recognition in historical accounts.
"I want to specially congratulate Anil Vij. After a long struggle and through his efforts, along with those of Manohar Lal and Nayab Singh Saini, this magnificent memorial to the heroes of 1857 has finally been built in Ambala," Shah said.
Recalling Vij's visit to invite him to inaugurate the memorial, Shah said the minister's enthusiasm and emotional attachment to the project had left a lasting impression on him.
"When Anil Vij starts speaking, it becomes difficult to stop him," Shah remarked humorously.
He said Vij had spent considerable time explaining the memorial's historical significance, architectural features and the years of effort behind its construction.
"Anil Vij had come to invite me and spent nearly an hour explaining the memorial. The enthusiasm and determination on his face reflected how deeply he was associated with this project," Shah said.
"As long as this memorial stands, the people of Ambala will remember Anil Vij," he added.
Turning to former Chief Minister Manohar Lal, Shah praised his decision to introduce educational qualifications for candidates contesting panchayat elections, describing it as a significant reform in grassroots governance.
He recalled that he had initially cautioned Manohar Lal about the possibility of public opposition to the move.
"I had told Manohar Lal that people might become upset over the decision, but he showed courage and implemented it," Shah said.
The Home Minister also referred to measures aimed at strengthening women's representation in local institutions, including 50 per cent reservation for women in Haryana's panchayati raj bodies.
Shah said such initiatives had contributed to changes in grassroots governance and public participation.
He credited Manohar Lal and Saini with bringing about what he described as a major transformation in Haryana's administration and development during the BJP's tenure.
The Home Minister cited the state's minimum support price policy covering 24 crops, railway infrastructure, the hydrogen train initiative and reforms in local governance as examples of its progress.
He also highlighted Haryana's contribution to agriculture, the armed forces and sports, saying the state had consistently played an important role in strengthening the country.
Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained a special connection with Haryana because he had served as the BJP's organisational in-charge in the state before assuming national leadership responsibilities.
He credited the Centre with supporting the expansion of national highways and other infrastructure projects in Haryana.
Returning to Saini's leadership, Shah said the Chief Minister's quiet working style should not be mistaken for a lack of administrative determination.
He described Saini as a leader who preferred concentrating on implementing decisions rather than making lengthy statements.
The Home Minister said the BJP government remained committed to delivering on its electoral promises and strengthening development, public welfare and infrastructure across the state.
Earlier, Shah inaugurated the memorial built on approximately 22 acres in Ambala Cantonment to commemorate the heroes of the 1857 uprising.
He said the memorial would preserve the sacrifices of freedom fighters and become a source of inspiration for future generations.
Shah credited Vij's perseverance and the support of successive BJP administrations under Manohar Lal and Saini for completing the project.
The memorial incorporates modern technology, historical displays and interactive exhibits depicting the 1857 uprising and the contributions of freedom fighters from different parts of the country.
Chief Minister Saini, union Power Minister Manohar Lal, Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij and several other senior leaders attended the programme.UNI KK AAB
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