Chandigarh (National Times): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came out all guns blazing in the Vidhan Sabha on Monday, as he led a fiery charge against the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Central Government over what he called a “systematic betrayal” of Punjab’s water rights.
Speaking during a special session where the House unanimously passed a resolution rejecting BBMB’s controversial order to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, CM Mann tore into the Board’s functioning and called for its complete reconstitution.
“Punjab has always stood at the forefront—whether it was the freedom struggle or feeding the nation. Now we’re struggling for drops of water,” Mann said. He pointed out that under his leadership, Punjab’s groundwater extraction had increased from 21% to 60% thanks to large-scale awareness and public cooperation.
Mann accused Haryana of blatant misuse, saying the state had already overdrawn its yearly water share. “We even gave them 4,000 cusecs out of compassion, but they used their clout to twist BBMB’s arm and ask for more.”
He didn’t hold back from targeting the Congress and BJP, accusing both of “double-dealing.” Slamming Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, he asked, “Why didn’t Himachal vote against BBMB’s decision, even though Congress is in power there? The man who filed the case in High Court is also from the Haryana Congress!”
Mann described BBMB as a “White Elephant” and called its functioning undemocratic and illegal. “States like Haryana and Rajasthan, which have hardly any direct link with these rivers, still enjoy equal voting power in BBMB. Meanwhile, Punjab bears the costs and the consequences,” he said.
He also criticized the Centre’s silence, asking BJP’s Ashwani Sharma to explain why the central leadership wasn’t acting. “You say you stand with Punjab—but your party at the top is unmoved.”
On BBMB’s decision-making, Mann said the Board violated its own procedures by convening a meeting without proper notice and unilaterally taking decisions. “They behave like overlords, issuing orders to open and close gates at will,” he added.
“During floods, Haryana and Rajasthan back away from responsibility. But when it’s convenient, they start demanding water. Is Punjab supposed to flood while others stay dry?” Mann thundered.
He closed by expressing gratitude to all political parties for setting aside their differences and showing unity in protecting Punjab’s lifelines, its rivers.
