Chandigarh, April 14 (NationPress) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia strongly criticized the Central government on Tuesday regarding its notification related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), asserting that it represents a significant diminution of Punjab’s authority.

He further accused the state government of cooperating with the Centre and neglecting to protect Punjab’s interests.

In response to the Central government’s amendments to the BBMB, Majithia stated to IANS that the Centre is “stripping away Punjab’s powers” and labeled this action an “assault on the rights of the state.” He emphasized that key decisions affecting Punjab, including those related to its water resources, capital, and institutions, should be made by the people of Punjab themselves, as is the standard in other states.

“Living in Punjab, I stand firmly opposed to this action. If there is a unified law for the entire nation, why does Punjab continue to face interference repeatedly?” he questioned.

The SAD leader further claimed that the current scenario indicates a “collusion” between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Centre. He also criticized Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), alleging that Kejriwal has received a “clean chit” in the purported liquor scandal and that Punjab's interests have been “sacrificed” for this.

“The people of Punjab will not accept this. They have always defended their rights and will persist in doing so,” Majithia remarked, further stating that this situation reflects a “total failure” of both the Central and state governments.

On the topic of the proposed women’s reservation bill, Majithia commented that while it seems to be a step in the right direction, a careful review should occur once the final draft is presented.

“I support reservation. However, what is the actual proposal, what are they aiming to achieve, and what is the underlying intention? This matter needs to be discussed across party lines to ensure meaningful contributions can be included,” he articulated. He stressed that women are equal contributors to India’s progress and any such policy must yield tangible effects on the ground.

Majithia also addressed the controversy surrounding Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and AAP chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal regarding an alleged tractor-trolley dispute, calling their actions an “admission of guilt.”

“Initially, they denied taking the tractor trolley. Only after it became public did they settle the matter,” he alleged.

He accused the two leaders of attempting to close a factory to obtain the tractor trolley “at no cost” and demanded prompt legal action against them.

“A case should be filed against both Hardeep Singh Mundian and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal without delay,” Majithia concluded.