Ludhiana. Accusing the government of giving Punjab’s water to Haryana, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers gheraoed the BJP office in Model Town Extension. Along with this, they burnt the effigy of Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu.
On receiving the information about gherao of the BJP office, BJP workers also gathered in large numbers. Seeing the tension, the police arrived. The police closed the gate of the BJP office and did not allow Aam Aadmi Party workers to come in nor did they allow BJP workers to go out. During this, the situation remained tense. But after burning Bittu’s effigy, AAP workers went back from the BJP office.
Punjab is ready to make any sacrifice for water
Earlier, the AAP protest was led by Punjab Cabinet Ministers Hardeep Singh Mundian, Amandeep Singh Mohi and Sharanpal Singh Makkar. Prominent leaders present on the occasion included Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Ashok Parashar Pappi, Sardar Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Chaudhary Madan Lal Bagga, Sardar Jivan Singh Sangowal and Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina and volunteers.
The AAP leaders strongly condemned the Centre and accused Union Minister Ravneet Bittu of betraying the interests of Punjab. They said that the BJP government has repeatedly discriminated against Punjab. Punjabis are ready to make any sacrifice to protect their water.
Not a single drop of Punjab’s water will be given – Bittu
On the other hand, Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu clearly said that not a single drop of water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) will be given to Haryana or any other state for drinking water or any other purpose. He strongly criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and said that he is famous for dramabaazi.
He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of Punjab is trying to stop the ongoing talks between the farmers and the central government. The Punjab government is staging this protest only to maintain its importance after the farmers boycotted the state government’s participation.
He appealed that all the disputes related to water are pending in the High Court or Supreme Court. Therefore, the decision on these matters should be left to the courts and all the states should responsibly put their side in the court.
