No Compromise on Punjab’s Rights, Asserts CM Mann
Reiterates Unwavering Commitment to Protect Punjab’s Resources, River Waters, Capital & Institutions
Slams Haryana, Rajasthan & Himachal Pradesh for “Illegitimate” Demands on Punjab’s Share
New Delhi, November 18, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday declared himself the “custodian of the interests of Punjab and Punjabis” and vowed that no injustice would be allowed to harm the state or its people.
Addressing the media after the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting held on Monday, the Chief Minister launched a scathing attack on Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, accusing them of “unnecessarily mounting pressure” and making “unjust and illegitimate” demands on Punjab’s river waters, capital Chandigarh, Panjab University, headworks and other resources.
Key Highlights from CM’s Statement:
- Historic Defence of Punjab: For the first time, 11 out of 28 agenda items directly concerning Punjab were deferred due to the state government’s strong presentation.
- No Surplus Water to Share: “Punjab has no spare water. Real-time scientific assessment is needed. SYL issue can only be resolved through Yamuna-Satluj Link (YSL), not Satluj-Yamuna Link.”
- Opportunity Post-Indus Treaty Suspension: Proposed linking Chenab with Ravi-Beas rivers to utilise surplus water for power generation, irrigation and to meet Punjab’s own shortfall, especially in border areas.
- Strong Opposition to Rajasthan’s BBMB Demand: Opposed creation of a whole-time member post from Rajasthan in Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it unnecessary expenditure borne largely by Punjab.
- Chandigarh Belongs to Punjab: Reminded Centre of Indira Gandhi (1970) and Rajiv-Longowal (1985) accords that explicitly promised transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab. “Every broken promise has bruised the psyche of Punjabis.”
- 60:40 Ratio in Chandigarh Administration: Demanded continuation of the ratio in recruitment and key postings; opposed sidelining of Punjab cadre officers in Excise, Education, Finance, Health and CITCO.
- FCI Punjab Post: Insisted that the post of GM FCI (Punjab Region) must continue to be held by a Punjab-cadre IAS officer given the state’s highest contribution to the central food pool.
- Headworks Control: Strongly opposed handing over Ropar, Harike and Ferozepur headworks to BBMB. “These are entirely in Punjab territory and critical for flood control.”
- Panjab University: “It’s our university. Haryana and Himachal withdrew their colleges in 1973-75 and stopped funding. Now they want backdoor entry into Senate/Syndicate — this will not be tolerated.”
CM Mann accused the “irresponsible leadership” of neighbouring states of turning the NZC platform into a farce by raising baseless demands, including Haryana’s objection to Punjab’s mini-hydel projects on Bhakra Main Line.
watch….Punjab’s Bold Stand on PU, Chandigarh and River Rights
He also urged the Centre to release funds without conditions for flood protection works along border outposts, emphasising national security.
Concluding his address, the Chief Minister asserted: “My government is duty-bound to protect every inch of Punjab’s rights. No stone will be left unturned.”
Chief Secretary Anirudh Tewari (KAP Sinha) and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
