Punjab and Haryana Chief Ministers appeared together on the same stage in Chandigarh on Saturday, despite the ongoing BBMB water-sharing dispute. The event was a walkathon against drug abuse, also attended by both state governors.
Although Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini greeted Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Mann did not respond and looked away, showing tension between the two.
After the event, CM Saini told the media that the water issue should not be turned into politics. He said CM Mann was using the matter for political gain.
Earlier, Saini had called Mann a “relative” because Mann’s wife is from Pehowa, Haryana. In response, Mann had joked that people in Haryana don’t drink water from their daughter’s home, yet the CM wants a canal from Punjab.
When asked about it again, Saini stood by his words, saying his demand is for the 2.8 crore people of Haryana, not personal. He said, “Water is something we offer to guests first. I didn’t expect this to become political.”
Haryana will hold an all-party meeting at 2 PM today to discuss the water issue, with leaders from all major political parties expected to attend. Punjab will also hold a special Assembly session on Monday. CM Saini said Haryana might also hold a session if needed.
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