Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) national president Abhay Singh Chautala on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Haryana on July 17 alleging that the BJP government was spending crores on a “showpiece event” instead of addressing the state’s pressing issues.

Speaking to reporters during his four-day tour of the Ellenabad constituency, Chautala claimed that while industries were being set up in Gujarat, Haryana was being ignored. Referring to the Prime Minister’s visit to Jind where Modi is scheduled to flag off a train, he alleged that the state was being offered only symbolic programmes instead of major development projects.

“The government is spending crores on the Prime Minister’s visit, but Haryana continues to face discrimination,” Chautala claimed.

He also announced that the INLD would launch a state-wide public outreach campaign from August 9, covering all 90 Assembly constituencies, to mobilise support for the party’s Samman Diwas Rally to be held in Nuh on September 27, the birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Devi Lal.

Targeting the BJP government, Chautala alleged that it was issuing new orders that create difficulties for the public. He claimed that the government had earlier withdrawn conditions imposed on wheat procurement after Opposition from the INLD. He urged the government to bring an ordinance during the upcoming Monsoon Session to protect families living for decades near village ponds from eviction.

Raising concerns over the monsoon, Chautala alleged that rivers, drains, canals and minor canals had not been cleaned and that embankments remained weak, increasing the risk of floods and financial losses.

Sharing observations from his tour of Ellenabad villages, Abhay Chautala said residents were struggling with inadequate drinking water supply, damaged roads, poor drainage and issues affecting livestock owners.