Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has intensified its attack on the BJP-led Union Government regarding recent amendments to the appointment rules of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, AAP Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu characterized the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and forcibly seize control of the state’s river waters and vital resources.
Pannu asserted that the Centre’s decision to open key BBMB positions to candidates from across the country, rather than exclusively from Punjab and Haryana, is a direct assault on the federal structure. He noted that since the board’s inception, specific roles were reserved for Punjab to ensure local expertise in managing the state’s water security. By deploying its own officers, the Centre aims to influence critical decisions related to water distribution, which Pannu linked to a broader agenda of “looting” Punjab’s resources at a time when the state is already grappling with a severe groundwater crisis and health issues like cancer caused by excessive pesticide use.
Highlighting the historical context, Pannu reminded the public of the “betrayals” by previous Congress and Akali Dal governments, citing past agreements that led to regional unrest and the controversial SYL canal project. He contrasted this with the firm stance taken by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who has consistently defended Punjab’s water rights. Pannu pointed out that under the Mann administration, canal water utilization for irrigation has jumped from 22% in 2022 to nearly 80% today, significantly reducing the burden on depleting groundwater levels.
The AAP leader also challenged former Congress leaders who have defected to the BJP, including Captain Amarinder Singh, Sunil Jakhar, and Ravneet Bittu, to clarify their stand on Punjab’s interests. Pannu concluded by reaffirming the Punjab government’s commitment to fighting this move on every possible platform, including the Supreme Court. He declared that the state would not bow down to central conspiracies and would take all necessary legal and political steps to safeguard the rightful claims of Punjab’s farmers and citizens.
