In a rare show of unity, all political parties in ਪੰਜਾਬ 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 ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ 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) ਸਰਕਾਰ to decide the next steps to protect ਪੰਜਾਬ’s water rights. A special session of the ਪੰਜਾਬ Assembly will be held on May 5 to discuss the issue.
BJP leader Sunil Jakhar also backed ਪੰਜਾਬ’s stand and said Haryana had already used its full water share for the September-May period. He added that while ਪੰਜਾਬ must stay firm, the issue should ideally be resolved through talks, not conflict.
Congress and SAD leaders also supported the ਸਰਕਾਰ’s stance, and some said they are ready to protest or meet the Prime ਮੰਤਰੀ about the issue. CM Mann said Haryana already got more water than needed on humanitarian grounds in April and that ਪੰਜਾਬ cannot be forced to give more.
Meanwhile, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has called an all-party meeting ਅੱਜ to decide on their next steps. Leaders from BJP, Congress, AAP, INLD, JJP, BSP, CPM, and others are expected to attend.
Some ਪੰਜਾਬ 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.
