- Every Punjabi Will Oppose BBMB’s Illegal Interference: CM Bhagwant Mann
- BJP and BBMB Fully Responsible for Any Law-and-Order Issues: Chief Minister
Nangal (Rupnagar), May 11
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reaffirmed his commitment to thwart any attempts by the BJP-led central government to divert Punjab’s water through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), accusing it of treating the state with stepmotherly neglect.
Mann made these remarks during a protest in Nangal against BBMB’s water release actions, joined by Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains and other leaders.
The Chief Minister deplored the BJP’s duplicity, noting that while Punjab bravely confronts external threats along its 532-km border with Pakistan, supporting the Indian Army, the central government is resorting to underhanded tactics to deprive the state of its water. He called such actions unfortunate, especially during a national crisis, urging restraint from divisive moves.
Mann emphasized Punjab’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding both its international border and its water resources, vowing to leave no stone unturned. He accused the BJP of testing the state’s patience by forcing protests in sensitive areas during a critical time when drones are spotted near dams amid escalating border tensions. The Chief Minister warned that such actions could disrupt law and order, holding the BJP and BBMB fully accountable.
watch…..CM Mann Vows to Protect Punjab’s Water at Nangal Dam
Criticism of Farmer Unions’ Silence
Mann questioned the silence of farmer unions on this critical water issue, noting their failure to issue even a single statement. He criticized them for focusing on trivial matters and disrupting public life with road and rail blockades while remaining mute on this vital concern. In a sarcastic jab, he remarked that farmer leaders avoided Nangal’s protest due to the absence of air-conditioned trolleys and their reluctance to brave the sun, which he said was beyond their current capacity.
The Chief Minister asserted that Punjab’s government is fully capable of protecting the state’s interests without relying on these unions. He condemned the BJP’s attempts to siphon off Punjab’s water through BBMB officials as intolerable and vowed a fierce struggle against this injustice.
Warning to BJP and BBMB
Mann cautioned the BJP and BBMB that their actions could precipitate a major law-and-order crisis, for which they would bear full responsibility. He clarified that no court, including the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has ordered water release from Punjab, yet the BJP is illegally attempting to divert it. He noted that Rajasthan had requested additional water from Punjab’s share to meet the needs of troops deployed along its border, and Punjab complied in the interest of national unity. However, Mann warned that any further attempts by BBMB officials to release water would be at their own risk, as Punjabis are united in opposition.
The Chief Minister accused Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, a Haryana native, of orchestrating these moves, vowing to foil his plans. He urged the BJP not to underestimate Punjab, asserting that a state capable of defending its borders can also protect its water. Punjab’s history of sacrifice along its 532-km border with Pakistan, Mann said, is a testament to its resolve to counter threats, including from the Pakistani military.
Call for BBMB Restructuring
Mann criticized the BBMB, originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, for being misused by the BJP to divert Punjab’s water to other states for political gains. He called for its restructuring, labeling its current form ineffective and unacceptable. He also questioned the use of Punjab’s treasury to pay salaries of employees from other states who undermine the state’s interests. Mann announced an audit of funds allocated to BBMB over recent years, alleging misuse of taxpayers’ money for personal and political purposes. He condemned BBMB’s use of Punjab’s funds to fight legal battles against the state as deplorable.
Punjab’s Water Crisis
Mann reiterated that Punjab has no surplus water to share, emphasizing the critical groundwater situation, with most blocks on the brink of depletion. He noted that many of Punjab’s riverine sources have dried up, necessitating more water to meet the state’s irrigation needs. The Chief Minister vowed that not a single drop of Punjab’s water would be diverted, pledging to stand with Punjabis in Nangal to counter any BJP maneuvers with utmost vigilance.
Mann concluded by affirming Punjab’s commitment to protecting its water at all costs, warning that no entity, regardless of its power, would be allowed to rob the state of its rightful share.
