Punjab’s Bold Stand on PU, Chandigarh and River Rights
Key Highlights from CM’s Address before Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Faridabad, Nov 17,
- Reaffirmed Punjab’s historical and legal claim over Chandigarh citing Indira Gandhi Agreement (1970) and Rajiv-Longowal Accord (1985); said non-transfer has deeply hurt Punjabi sentiment
- Demanded restoration of 60:40 Punjab-Haryana ratio in Chandigarh Administration; opposed exclusion of Punjab cadre officers from key posts and appointment of DANICS officers
- Strongly reiterated Punjab’s sole claim over Panjab University; questioned Haryana’s sudden interest after 50 years and opposed Centre’s move to restructure governance
- In light of suspension of Indus Waters Treaty, pitched for linking Chenab with Ravi-Beas to utilise surplus water for irrigation and power in downstream states, especially Punjab’s border areas
- Forcefully opposed inclusion of whole-time Member from Rajasthan in BBMB; said board is only for successor states Punjab & Haryana
- Opposed any increase in Full Reservoir Levels (FRL) of Bhakra and Pong dams citing devastating floods in Punjab (2019, 2023, 2025) and increasing siltation; demanded desilting instead
- Rejected transfer of control of Ropar, Harike & Ferozepur headworks to BBMB; said these are entirely within Punjab territory and critical for flood management
- Maintained Punjab has no surplus Ravi-Beas water; demanded fresh scientific reassessment and keeping SYL matter in abeyance till Tribunal’s final award
- Claimed Punjab’s legitimate share in Yamuna waters as successor state; demanded inclusion in 1994 MoU review (post-2025)
- Highlighted domestic arms smuggling (especially from Madhya Pradesh) as bigger threat than cross-border smuggling
- Advocated genuine federalism with more financial and administrative powers to states
watch….₹1,100-Cr Sports Stadiums for 3,100 Punjab Villages
CM also thanked MHA for the NZC platform, highlighted Punjab government’s achievements (free power, healthcare, education, women’s free bus travel, Schools of Eminence, record NEET/JEE results, Roshan Punjab scheme) and the state’s massive contribution to national food security despite recent devastating floods.
