Saturday, March 29, 2025
CM Mann Says “We Were Ordered”; BJP Chief Says “Punjabis Don’t Tolerate Intimidation”
Chandigarh :
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a press conference in Chandigarh after an all-party meeting regarding the ongoing water-sharing dispute with Haryana over the Bhakra Canal. For the past three days, tensions have escalated between the two state governments over the distribution of canal water.
The AAP-led Punjab government convened the all-party meeting at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh. All opposition party leaders were invited, but except for the BJP, other party heads did not attend in person. BJP was represented by its state president, Sunil Jakhar, while other parties sent their delegates.
During the meeting, CM Bhagwant Mann briefed the leaders on Punjab’s current water crisis. Afterward, he addressed the media in a joint press conference.
BJP State Chief Sunil Jakhar stated:
“There are two key issues. First, Punjab doesn’t even have a single drop of extra water. On humanitarian grounds, we are still giving Haryana 4,000 cusecs of water—no party has objected to that. But let it be clear: Punjabis will not tolerate coercion or force.”
CM Bhagwant Mann remarked:
“An order was issued to divert Punjab’s water to Haryana, and officials were even replaced. We have now called for a special Assembly session on Monday at 12 PM, which has been approved by the Governor. A suggestion also came up during the meeting to meet with the Prime Minister. All inputs have been noted and will be discussed during the Assembly session.”
He added, “You may win over Punjabis with love, but not by forcefully taking our water. We will ensure such a situation doesn’t arise again.”
Sources say that the Haryana government is planning to approach the High Court regarding the issue. The Advocate General has been asked to prepare a legal case. Haryana’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Shruti Choudhary, strongly objected to the Punjab government’s actions.
“Now That AAP Has Lost Delhi, They’re Creating Drama”:
Choudhary said the Punjab government never stopped water supply when AAP was in power in Delhi. Now that they’re no longer in control, they’re playing politics.
“The Mann Government Should Not Trouble the Common People”:
She said Haryana is entitled to its share of water, and questioned why the Punjab government is creating drama this year when the water distribution system hasn’t changed.
“CM Mann Has Disrespected His Office”:
Referring to a past remark by Arvind Kejriwal about “poison in Delhi’s water,” Choudhary said CM Mann, by halting water supply, is walking a similar path and has disrespected the dignity of his office. She emphasized that this water belongs to BBMB (Bhakra Beas Management Board) and supplies Delhi and Rajasthan via Haryana before returning to Punjab.
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Union Home Ministry Summons Officials:
A meeting has been called today in Delhi by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the issue. Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh have been summoned. Since Punjab’s Chief Secretary is on leave, Home Department Additional Chief Secretary Alok Shekhar and Water Resources Secretary Krishna Kumar will attend.
Haryana Bans Officials from Leaving HQs:
Due to the water crisis, Haryana’s Public Works Minister Ranbir Gangwa has ordered SEs, XENs, SDOs, and JEs in all districts not to leave their headquarters under any circumstances. He directed that water be supplied from alternate locations to affected areas. Officials informed him that districts like Hisar, Sirsa, Mahendragarh, Narnaul, and Fatehabad are the worst-hit, and drinking water is being rationed.
For the past 18 days, Punjab has reduced water supply to Haryana from the Bhakra Canal—from 8,500 cusecs to 4,000 cusecs. CM Bhagwant Mann stated that Haryana exhausted its quota in March and is now receiving water solely on humanitarian grounds.
