Does Punjab Have Surplus Water to Share? State BJP Chief Jakhar Weighs In Amid Dispute with Haryana

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Punjab has no surplus water to share, according to BJP President Sunil Jakhar.
- The AAP is accused of political hypocrisy amid protests.
- The Satluj Yamuna Link Canal remains a contentious issue.
- Increased security measures have been implemented at the Nangal dam.
- The situation raises concerns about Punjab's future.
Chandigarh, May 1 (NationPress) State BJP President Sunil Jakhar asserted that Punjab lacks any surplus water to distribute during a turbulent time marked by war-like conditions at the International Border. He criticized the government for destabilizing the state by involving its police force in ongoing protests and demonstrations.
Jakhar noted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made misleading statements during the Haryana elections, promising water supply to both Delhi and Haryana. Furthermore, he pointed out that the government informed the Supreme Court of its readiness to construct the Satluj Yamuna Link Canal, but claimed that farmers were obstructing this project.
In his statement, Jakhar accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders of hypocrisy, suggesting that they are using these protests to distract from the corruption scandals involving their members, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, linked to a Rs 2,000 crore classroom scam in Delhi.
He stated, “The much-touted Delhi model of the AAP has been unmasked by the citizens of Delhi, unveiling the misuse of public funds during their governance.”
Jakhar further claimed that the AAP is not only damaging Delhi but is also trying to undermine Punjab’s education system.
Regarding the water distribution issue, Jakhar reaffirmed that the BJP consistently advocates for Punjab’s interests and maintains that the state has no surplus water available for sharing.
He added that while the AAP may find it politically convenient to engage in trivial politics over humanitarian water supply issues, it contradicts the essence of ‘Punjabiyat’.
Jakhar urged AAP leaders to abandon their duplicity and recall the commitments made during the Haryana elections.
He emphasized that the people of Punjab have recognized the detrimental path their government is leading them down.
In a recent decision, the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) announced the release of an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, which has incited protests from the Punjab government, prompting increased security measures at the Nangal dam regulator.
During a meeting of the BBMB’s member states, Punjab registered a dissent, declaring it had no water to spare and criticizing Haryana for not managing its allotted share responsibly.
As the water release is set to begin, the Punjab government has heightened security at the Nangal dam to prevent potential unrest.