Chandigarh (National Times): In a powerful and emotional moment that resonated across party lines, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan made a stirring statement after the House unanimously passed a resolution opposing the deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Though traditionally a neutral figure in legislative proceedings, Sandhwan stepped beyond the conventional role of Speaker, not politically, but emotionally, as he addressed the House and the nation with folded hands, speaking not just as a Speaker, but as a Punjabi.
“A Speaker must remain neutral, but as a son of Punjab, I want to congratulate the people of Punjab and all MLAs, across party lines, for standing united on an issue that matters to the very soul of this state,” said Sandhwan.
A Question to the Nation
In a heartfelt message, Sandhwan posed a pointed question to the rest of India: “Do you know of any state that is riparian to three rivers, has a legitimate share of 34.34 million acre-feet (MAF) of water, but receives only 40.22 MAF — just 40% of its fair share? That state is Punjab.”
He further highlighted the injustice that continues to plague the state, saying, “Sixty percent of our water is being allocated to non-riparian states, while 80% of our development blocks are in the dark zone due to over-extraction of groundwater. And yet, we are expected to stay silent?”
“Please Spare Us”
Sandhwan’s words were raw and sincere as he implored the nation to understand Punjab’s pain. “Please spare us. Punjab is the state that led the nation’s Independence movement. Today, 80% of our water is still being given away to fulfill irrigation needs elsewhere. And when we raise our voice, we are demonized.”
The Speaker ended with a moving declaration of identity and resistance: “Punjab is not just a state, it’s about water. We are the sons of rivers. And today, we are craving water. Don’t criminalize us for demanding what is ours.”
A Rare Unified Stand
The Assembly’s resolution against the CISF deployment at BBMB marked a rare moment of unity among political parties in Punjab. The move is seen as a protest against what the state perceives as increasing central interference in matters of its water management and autonomy.
Sandhwan’s impassioned speech is being widely praised across social and political circles for capturing the emotional undercurrent that surrounds the water issue in Punjab, a long-standing conflict rooted in geography, politics, and identity.
As the special session continues, it is clear that the voice of Punjab, backed by the sentiment of its people and leaders alike, has grown louder, and perhaps, harder to ignore.
