Haryana CM Slams Punjab’s Resolution on Water Issue, Calls It Unethical and Anti-Federal

Chandigarh, May 5 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini sharply criticized the Punjab government on Monday, accusing it of indulging in “petty politics” over the water distribution issue and passing repeated Vidhan Sabha resolutions that he termed unethical and contrary to India’s federal structure.

Speaking to the media after chairing a Cabinet meeting, Saini condemned the Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s fresh resolution opposing the sharing of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal water with Haryana. He said this defies the Supreme Court’s ruling and undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism. “Water is a natural resource and a national heritage. Even today, the Mann government has passed a resolution denying Haryana its rightful share of drinking water. This is against both law and morality,” he asserted.

He further claimed the move violates the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, urging the Punjab government to release the water unconditionally in the spirit of righteousness. Saini also drew attention to political alliances, stating, “Congress and AAP are part of the INDIA alliance. Rahul Gandhi, who carries the Constitution from village to village, should respect its values too.”

Condemning the resolution on behalf of the Haryana Cabinet, he said it disrespects both the judiciary and the Indian Constitution. “Punjab and Haryana were one state before 1966. Bhagwant Mann should stop playing divisive politics and instead focus on developmental governance,” he stated.

Saini also responded to the Punjab Assembly’s resolution calling for the dissolution of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling the move unconstitutional. “BBMB is an autonomous body passed by the Lok Sabha and functions under the Centre. The Punjab government has no right to question its legitimacy,” he said.

Reinforcing the importance of respecting national institutions, Saini said that the nation runs on a defined system that must be upheld. He warned the Mann government that the people of Punjab might reject AAP just as they did the Congress in previous elections.

He was accompanied by Industries and Commerce Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Cooperation Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma, Irrigation and Water Resources Minister Shruti Choudhry, Director General K.M. Pandurang of the Information and Public Relations Department, and Media Secretary Praveen Atre.