NEW DELHI, May 16 — Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening to discuss a range of issues related to Punjab’s development and political landscape.
The 40-minute meeting touched upon the state’s growing water concerns, the potential impact of the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, infrastructure needs in the Doaba and Majha regions, and preparations for the upcoming Ludhiana West assembly by-election.
According to sources, Bittu explored the possibility of diverting excess water from the western tributaries of the Indus to Punjab, particularly in light of the ongoing Punjab-Haryana conflict over Bhakra waters.
“Since the Treaty has been suspended, the discussion centred on whether we can find ways to divert the excess waters to Punjab,” a source said.
Bittu also raised the demand for extending canal irrigation infrastructure to Doaba and Majha, similar to the canal networks in Malwa. “It’s crucial that regions beyond Malwa benefit from irrigation canals to secure agricultural stability,” he said.
In a politically significant moment, the Prime Minister reportedly asked Bittu for an assessment of the Ludhiana West bypoll landscape. The BJP had secured the highest vote share from this assembly segment during the 2024 general elections. However, the party is yet to announce its candidate, awaiting the official poll schedule.
The Union minister also urged the Prime Minister to ease recruitment norms for Punjab’s youth in paramilitary forces, citing the region’s deep military tradition.
The issue of Bandi Sikhs was also brought up during the meeting, sources confirmed.
Later, Bittu shared insights of the meeting in a social media post.
“Shared my joy over India’s recent victory over Pakistan and commended the PM’s exemplary leadership in handling tough situations with grace and determination,” he wrote.
“Discussed key initiatives for Punjab’s development, focusing on growth and prosperity for our state.”
He also mentioned presenting two books to the Prime Minister — Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail and The Golden Temple.
“Both books symbolise the essence of Sikhism and the teachings of Guru Nanak,” Bittu said, adding that Modi also shared his thoughts on Punjab’s current religious and political dynamics and the road ahead.
