Are AAP and BJP Fighting Instead of Solving Water Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Dikshit accuses AAP and BJP of politicizing water issues.
- Call for dialogue to resolve Punjab-Haryana water dispute.
- Criticism of governance in preparation for extreme weather events.
- Concerns over the impact of political conflicts on citizens.
- Long-standing SYL canal conflict remains unresolved.
New Delhi, May 2 (NationPress) In light of rising tensions between Punjab and Haryana concerning water sharing, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit has criticized both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming they are politicizing the matter instead of engaging in constructive dialogue.
The dispute has recently escalated, with Punjab deploying police at a controversial dam site and calling for an all-party meeting to discuss the issue.
The enduring Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal matter, a politically charged water-sharing conflict between these states, has reignited, raising alarms about interstate relations.
In comments to IANS, Dikshit stated, "This matter was resolved long ago with the signing of the Punjab Accord. Afterward, discussions took place, and the issue was settled. Unfortunately, since the BJP took over in Haryana and the AAP in Punjab, there has been no desire to resolve it through dialogue."
He condemned both ruling parties for intensifying rather than easing the situation, saying, "Disputes arise between states, but that doesn’t mean they should be exacerbated. If both states could rise above politics and communicate, a resolution could be found. They can go to court afterward if necessary. AAP is always in conflict, whether in Delhi or Punjab; it’s just fighting. If these disputes persist, it’s the people who suffer."
In addition, Dikshit addressed the tragic event in Delhi’s Dwarka, where a tree fell during a rainstorm, resulting in four fatalities. "This is a deeply tragic event," he remarked, attributing it to poor governance by both the AAP and the BJP in Delhi that failed to prepare for extreme weather.
"We repeatedly warned during elections that in the past decade, AAP has significantly undermined Delhi's core infrastructure. Our sewer systems are clogged, our water supply is compromised, and stormwater drains are obstructed," Dikshit said. He criticized both parties for engaging in "show politics" without substantial planning.
"They claim to have monsoon strategies, but rain can occur even before the monsoon season. In Delhi, storms followed by heavy rainfall are common; I’ve witnessed this for over 60 years. Why wasn’t there any basic preparation? I fear that the BJP government in Delhi will follow the same empty path as AAP, offering free schemes without genuine work," he concluded.