Chandigarh (National Times): Amid chaotic scenes in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha during the special session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delivered a fiery and wide-ranging address, hitting out at the opposition, defending Punjab’s water rights, cultural expressions, and even jumping into the ongoing controversy surrounding actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh.
The session saw loud protests from Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa over a remark made by Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, who had used the Punjabi expression “dadhi muhrawa.” Bajwa objected, calling it offensive, prompting Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and CM Mann to step in and clarify that such expressions are part of Punjabi culture and idiomatic speech.
Taking a jab at Bajwa, Mann said, “PPS doesn’t teach you proverbs,” referring to Bajwa’s elite educational background and suggesting he lacked understanding of Punjabi idioms.
On BBMB and Water Politics
Addressing the core issue of the session — the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and water disputes — Mann said Punjab had taken a clear stand. “I attended an all-party meeting where every party agreed. I also went to Delhi to discuss the SYL (Sutlej-Yamuna Link) issue. We debated for over two to three hours,” he said.
The Chief Minister praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, claiming it would benefit Punjab. “It’s a great decision. Water from several rivers can now be redirected to Pong, Ranjit Sagar, and Bhakra dams. Punjab is now utilizing more water than previous years,” he said.
Mann accused Haryana of mismanaging its water quota. “The water is allotted every year on May 21. Haryana exhausted its share by March 31 and then came asking us for more. We denied it. When people are ready to kill over water, how can we give ours away so easily?” he said forcefully.
He further warned that land acquisition might be necessary for building more canals to ensure uninterrupted flow. “If we want to guarantee water for Punjab’s farmers, we will have to create infrastructure. And for that, land must be acquired.”
On BBMB Security and CISF Deployment
Criticizing the Centre for deploying CISF at BBMB and billing Punjab for security, Mann questioned the logic. “Why should we pay for CISF when we have Punjab Police that can do the job equally well? We are already covering 60% of BBMB’s expenditure,” he said.
Referring to the 2016 Pathankot terror attack, Mann revealed he had confronted then Home Minister Rajnath Singh. “I was handed a bill of ₹7.5 crore for the Army’s role in the Pathankot operation. I asked him — does Punjab not belong to India? Is military support now available on rent?” he asked angrily.
On PM Modi, Pahalgam Attack, and Foreign Policy
In a sharp dig at Prime Minister Modi, Mann questioned the Centre’s silence over recent tensions with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. “Which foreign nation stood with India after the Pahalgam attack? You run ads saying you stopped the Russia-Ukraine war — then why can’t you stop the fight between Punjab and Haryana?” he said.
On Sardaar Ji 3 and Diljit Dosanjh
Taking a strong stand in support of Diljit Dosanjh, whose film Sardaar Ji 3 was denied a theatrical release in India, Mann lashed out at the hypocrisy. “One day you call him a ‘Sardar,’ the next day a ‘gaddar.’ What do you want from him? The film was shot before the Pahalgam incident. Will you now issue nationalism certificates before allowing films to release?” he asked.
Final Appeal to Opposition
In a closing appeal, CM Mann urged the opposition to unite for Punjab’s interests. “Oppose us on the wrongs, not on the rights. Don’t fight among yourselves — speak for Punjab,” he said.
The special session of the Vidhan Sabha, which was initially scheduled for two days but later extended till July 15, continues to see high-voltage drama, with debates over water, security, culture, and identity dominating the discourse.
