Punjab Assembly special session: Bhagwant Mann flays Centre for ignoring water issues, infrastructure failures in Punjab
PTC Web Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, on the second day of the ongoing Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, expressed his concerns over several key issues, including ongoing water dispute with Haryana, national security, and the Punjab government's relations with the Centre. The session, initially scheduled for two days, has now been extended until July 15.
Bhagwant Mann began by addressing the contentious issue of water distribution, particularly focusing on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. He recalled a recent meeting in Delhi regarding the SYL canal and explained that discussions around the distribution of water resources have been ongoing since 1955. The Chief Minister remarked that, despite the agreements, Punjab continues to face challenges in receiving its rightful share of water. He cited instances of Haryana not adhering to agreements regarding water usage, leading to severe shortages in the state.
"Since 1975, there have been numerous discussions about water distribution, but when it comes to implementation, we find ourselves at the losing end. We’ve been writing letters for six months, but Haryana has ignored us," Mann said. "If we have no water, how can we provide irrigation for our fields?" he questioned.
The Chief Minister took aim at the proposed revival of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, suggesting that Punjab stands to gain if water from the Indus River starts flowing to the state. However, he was clear in stating that any future water-sharing agreements should benefit Punjab’s farmers and communities.
Mann also criticised the operations of BBMB, calling it a "white elephant" and accusing the board of spending 60% of its budget on Punjab while working against the state's interests in legal battles. He added that Punjab funds a significant portion of the board’s expenditures, yet finds itself at odds with BBMB in court.
On the matter of national security, CM Mann said, "We are often treated as the ‘sheep’ of the nation, while the real conflicts happen elsewhere. Missiles land in Ferozepur, but no one listens to us."
The Punjab Chief Minister also expressed his discontent with the growing pressure on Punjab’s farmers and workers while speaking about the increasing reach of the Border Security Force (BSF) in Punjab during the tenure of former CM Charanjit Singh Channi. He said, "We contribute 180 lakh metric tonne of food grain to the nation, but when it comes to water rights, no one listens."
Mann also questioned the Centre’s foreign policy, asking why India cannot mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict when it has the power to influence such global issues. He further emphasized that the Centre must pay attention to the well-being of Punjab’s farmers and workers, who understand the importance of water and resources more than anyone else.
He also touched upon the hypocrisy surrounding the country's international image. "While we talk about becoming a world leader, we can’t even fix basic infrastructure like sewerage systems. There are double standards when it comes to film industry policies too. Diljit and a Pakistani actor worked in Sardar Ji 3 even before Pahalgam terrorist attacks, and now the film is being banned," he remarked. He also pointed out the irony of Prime Minister Modi’s visits to Pakistan for Biryani while criticising Punjab’s stance.
"Those whose fields no longer have canals, and whose taps are made of gold, how can they understand the importance of water? They talk about Chandrayaan, but they can't even fix the sewage covers. They speak of becoming a global leader, yet they don’t invite us. Dilji's film was shot in Pahalgam before the terrorist attacks, and it had a Pakistani actor, but now they won’t allow the film to be released. One moment they call us ‘Sardarji,’ the next they call us ‘Gaddar. (traitor)’
Again taking up the ongoing water dispute between Punjab and Haryana, he said "water in both states is essentially the same. Take a water sample from Haryana and Punjab – it’s the same on both sides. The two states are like relatives". He said now Himachal's CM had jumped in, demanding funds from the Shanan Project." They’re all in it together,” said CM Mann.
CM Mann made his stand clear: “We neither have extra water, nor can we give it to anyone. We are the heirs of Bhai Kanhaiya, who even gave water to enemies. Our brother lives in the neighbouring state — we understand relations.”
Defending Punjab Police’s capability, CM Mann stated that the force was “fully competent and capable” of securing the dams on its own. He urged that a proposal be passed in the Assembly to remove CISF deployment at dam sites.
Lashing out at the opposition once again, he said, “We will trouble you as much as time allows. If you don’t like it, get us voted out. In Delhi, we governed for 10 years — you have zero. Your leaders own mansions in New Delhi, but even the gardeners there don’t vote for you anymore.”
- PTC NEWS
