Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on 30 June 2025 alleged that the Haryana Congress had promised to scrap the Yamuna Water Agreement in its manifesto, which he said reflected why former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot did not sincerely pursue the project during his tenure. Sharma made the remarks while addressing a large gathering in Jaipur after returning from the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the Yamuna Water Project.

A Hero's Welcome in Jaipur

Crowds lined the route from Jaipur Airport to the Chief Minister's residence, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers — particularly from the Shekhawati region — showering flowers, draping garlands, presenting traditional safas and a ceremonial kalash on Sharma. Many drew a parallel with the legendary Bhagirath, crediting the Chief Minister with finally bringing Yamuna waters to Rajasthan.

Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore noted that the Shekhawati region had been awaiting this water since 1994 and recalled that former Chief Minister Bhairon Singh Shekhawat had also made efforts in this direction. Rathore described the outcome as the result of a 'triple-engine government' — the Centre, Rajasthan, and Haryana working in concert.

What the Agreement Covers

The project, estimated to cost more than ₹34,000 crore, will transport Yamuna water to the districts of Jhunjhunu, Churu, and Sikar through a 3.6-metre-diameter pipeline. Chief Minister Sharma said the initiative is expected to transform the Shekhawati region by strengthening agriculture, boosting tourism and industry, and generating new employment.

Following the signing of an MoU on 17 February 2024, a task force was constituted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared. Sharma said the project is now progressing rapidly.

Sharma's Charge Against Congress

Chief Minister Sharma alleged that despite Congress governments holding power in both Rajasthan and Haryana simultaneously in the past, no meaningful inter-state coordination took place to advance the scheme. He pointed to the Haryana Congress manifesto, which he claimed had proposed scrapping the Yamuna water agreement, and argued that Ashok Gehlot's presence on the same platform as those opposed to the deal reflected a lack of genuine commitment.

He also alleged that during the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, the state frequently made headlines over paper leaks, corruption, gang activity, and crimes against women — a charge Congress has not responded to in the immediate context of this event.

Broader Development Push

Chief Minister Sharma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, for enabling the agreement. He described 29 June as a 'historic day' for Rajasthan.

Sharma added that the BJP government has provided employment to around 1.25 lakh youths and that farmers in 26 districts now receive daytime electricity supply. He also announced that Prime Minister Modi will visit Balotra on 4 July to inaugurate the Pachpadra Refinery, lay the foundation stone for Jaipur Metro Phase-2, and distribute appointment letters to thousands of young people.

The Rajasthan government is also accelerating several long-pending water projects, including the Ramjal Setu Link Project, the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP), the Gang Canal, and the Dewas and Mahi projects. With the Yamuna agreement now formalised, the next phase will test whether the project's ambitious timeline holds.