Haryana CM Nayab Saini recalls journey from computer operator to Chief Minister

August 21, 2026

Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday recalled his political journey from working as a computer operator at the BJP office in Panchkula to becoming the Chief Minister of the state, telling young entrepreneurs that his rise involved no shortcuts but years of hard work, consistency and perseverance.

Saini was interacting with young entrepreneurs at the ‘Gen-H Yuva Udyami Chaupal’ organised at Gurugram University in Gurugram. The programme was watched live across more than 4,000 institutions.

Saini recalls 2009 defeat and 2014 victory

During the interaction, young entrepreneurs asked Saini about entering politics without a political legacy, dealing with failure, technology, employment, sports, startups, drug abuse and the functioning of the government.

Recalling his own experience, Saini said young people should not allow failure to define them and should instead let their work speak for them. He stressed the importance of consistency, credibility and patience rather than chasing quick success.

Saini said his political journey had “no lift, only stairs”, adding that there were times when even the next step was not visible.

He recalled that after entering politics, his first electoral responsibility involved helping another candidate contest an election. During that campaign, he worked until 2 a.m.

When he was asked to contest the 2009 election, he said he did not have the money for it, but people came forward to support him. He eventually lost the election but decided not to let the defeat become his identity.

The Chief Minister said he returned to work among people the very next day despite having no position or assurance of another party ticket. He credited this approach for eventually leading to his significant electoral victory in 2014.

From computer operator to Haryana CM

Saini also recalled his association with the BJP office in Panchkula in 1996, when Narendra Modi was the party’s in-charge for Haryana.

He said Modi had sent a computer to the BJP office and Saini worked as its operator. At that time, he had never imagined that he would eventually become the Chief Minister of Haryana.

Over the years, Saini went on to serve as a minister, Member of Parliament, Haryana BJP president and eventually Chief Minister.

He said these opportunities resulted from the affection and support of the people, his sense of responsibility towards them and the opportunities provided by the party.

‘Gen-HB is the heartbeat of India’

Addressing the young participants as Gen-H, Saini gave the term a broader meaning and described it as “Gen-HB — Haryana-Bharat”.

“Gen-HB is the heartbeat of India,” he said.

Saini also spoke about the political environment before 2014, saying there was a time when young people were used for political purposes but their aspirations to advance in politics were discouraged.

Reflecting on his 2009 defeat, the Chief Minister said he rose again on the same day with twice the enthusiasm. He maintained that holding a position had never been his priority and that the spirit of ‘Nation First’ had remained paramount.

He said his desire to serve people eventually brought their support in 2014, when they elected him and the party entrusted him with ministerial responsibility.