AMRITSAR — A group of Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including several MLAs, confronted Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s convoy in Amritsar on Saturday. The demonstration targeted his attendance at a ‘Punjab Bachao’ rally organized by the BJP.

Protesters gathered outside the venue, brandishing black flags and tying black bands around their heads. AAP figures accused the BJP of taking an anti-Punjab position. Local MLAs Jeevan Jyot Kaur, Inderbir Singh Nijjar and Ajay Gupta joined the action, alongside AAP district president for Amritsar Urban Prabhvir Singh Brar, Lok Sabha incharge Jaskaran Badesha and Amritsar Rural district president Gurpartap Singh Sandhu.

MLA Jeevan Jyot Kaur led the chants. “We are protesting today because we want to ask, with what face is the BJP coming to Punjab?” she said, according to witnesses at the scene. “Why are they trying to mislead the people here? The public knows very well that BJP has blocked Punjab’s rightful funds, whether it is for health, education or development.”

Kaur hammered home the point. Punjabis see through the BJP’s anti-farmer, anti-trade and anti-education policies, she added. “Punjab’s people are not naive. They understand that BJP has always acted against Punjab’s interests. Today’s protest is a clear message that the people of Punjab will not be fooled by false propaganda.”

AAP leader Neel Garg took aim at Saini’s role as Haryana’s chief minister. “You have every right to promote your party in Punjab, but do not forget that you are the chief minister of Haryana,” Garg said. “Do not mislead people by raising baseless questions on Punjab’s law and order.”

Garg cited central agency reports to back his claims. Punjab ranks second nationwide in law and order maintenance, he said. The state also scores lower than Haryana on crime rankings.

The AAP contingent charged the BJP-led central government with withholding Punjab’s funds for rural development, health and education. Protesters said such political visits amount to empty rhetoric aimed at misleading voters.

Saini’s rally focused on ‘saving Punjab,’ but AAP leaders dismissed it as a ploy. Their black-flag protest underscored deepening tensions between the parties ahead of elections. Punjab’s political landscape remains charged, with AAP in power at the state level and BJP pushing back from neighboring Haryana.

No clashes occurred during the demonstration. Police kept the groups apart as Saini’s convoy passed. The episode highlights ongoing friction over funds, security and regional interests.