In a rare show of unity, all political parties in Punjab have agreed not to give any extra water from the Bhakra Dam to Haryana. This decision was made during an all-party meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
The leaders strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) order to release more water to Haryana. They said it goes against the rules for operating the Nangal Dam and the hydel channel.
The parties gave full support to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to decide the next steps to protect Punjab’s water rights. A special session of the Punjab Assembly will be held on May 5 to discuss the issue.
BJP leader Sunil Jakhar also backed Punjab’s stand and said Haryana had already used its full water share for the September-May period. He added that while Punjab must stay firm, the issue should ideally be resolved through talks, not conflict.
Congress and SAD leaders also supported the government’s stance, and some said they are ready to protest or meet the Prime Minister about the issue. CM Mann said Haryana already got more water than needed on humanitarian grounds in April and that Punjab cannot be forced to give more.
Meanwhile, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has called an all-party meeting today to decide on their next steps. Leaders from BJP, Congress, AAP, INLD, JJP, BSP, CPM, and others are expected to attend.
Some Punjab leaders also raised other concerns, like the Centre’s actions regarding Chandigarh, the BSF’s powers near the border, and changes to BBMB officer appointments. These issues will be taken up later.
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