Chandigarh, May 3: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday said all political parties in the state stand united in their demand for a fair share of river water and accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of taking a confrontational stance instead of cooperating on the issue.
Addressing a press conference after chairing an all-party meeting in Chandigarh, Saini announced that a resolution had been unanimously passed, condemning the Punjab government’s actions as “unconstitutional.”
“All political parties in Haryana are together on this issue. It’s not just a matter of politics; it’s about the people’s right to drinking water,” Saini said.
“Instead of confrontation, the Punjab CM should draw inspiration from the teachings of the Gurus, which advocate sharing.”
Saini stated that while Haryana had not yet taken a decision on convening a special Vidhan Sabha session, the option remains open. “We are waiting to see the outcome of the Punjab Assembly session and the BBMB meeting scheduled at 5 pm today. All our options are open,” he said.
The all-party meeting witnessed participation from across the political spectrum, including BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli, ministers Anil Vij, Shruti Choudhry, Ranbir Gangwa, and Sham Singh Rana. Congress was represented by state unit chief Udai Bhan and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda.
Also present were AAP Haryana chief Sushil Gupta, JJP leader and former Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala, former MLA Amarjit Dhanda, INLD state president Rampal Majra, and MLA Aditya Devilal—demonstrating rare cross-party unity over the issue.
The unified front from Haryana comes amid a brewing crisis over Punjab’s refusal to implement the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s April 23 decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
The matter has escalated following Punjab’s objections over depleting reservoir levels, which Mann cited as the reason for rejecting the BBMB directive.
With Punjab set to hold a special session of its Assembly on Monday to pass a resolution on water rights, Haryana leaders have signaled their readiness to escalate the matter further, depending on the developments in Chandigarh and at the BBMB meeting later in the day.
