Chandigarh: On the second day of the ongoing Punjab Vidhan Sabha session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on the Central Government, raising the critical issue of Punjab’s water crisis and the controversial SYL canal dispute with Haryana.
The session, which commenced at 10 AM, was immediately marked by uproar from the opposition Congress MLAs. However, CM Mann took the floor to address major concerns, especially regarding the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), inter-state water disputes, and the security of vital dams in Punjab.
BBMB & SYL Canal: Punjab’s Long-Standing Grievances
CM Mann began by revisiting recent developments around BBMB and the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal. Referring to a recent all-party meeting, he stated, “All political leaders agreed to stand united on this issue. This is not about party lines; it’s about Punjab’s survival.”
He further explained that during the SYL meeting in Delhi held two days ago, “The officials started presenting data from 1955, while Punjab is still stuck with outdated 1975 water-sharing models. As per law, all agreements must be reviewed after 25 years. Has that ever happened?”
CM Mann also highlighted a systemic flaw in how water resources are monitored, stating, “The accounting of rivers is done from 21 May to 21 May. Monthly meetings are held by BBMB, yet Punjab’s voice continues to be ignored.”
Punjab Writes Letters, But Haryana Doesn’t Respond
For the past five months, Punjab has reportedly been writing to the Haryana government, seeking resolution on the issue of water-sharing. “But there is no response. Here in Punjab, people are killed over water. If we ourselves don’t have enough, how can we supply it to Haryana?” Mann said.
In a direct attack on the Centre, he warned, “I’ve told them in Delhi—this cannot be like Trump ordering a ceasefire. If Punjab gives away 23 MAF (million acre-feet) of water, we will also need a canal. And if that canal runs through our land, we want our share of water too. It cannot be that our land hosts the canal, and our cattle don’t even get to drink from it.”
“We Pay for Legal Fees Against Us”
Criticizing BBMB further, CM Mann stated that Punjab pays 60% of BBMB’s expenses, yet the board often takes legal positions against the state. “Even the lawyers arguing against us in court are funded by Punjab taxpayers. What sort of justice is this?”
He also recalled the Pathankot terrorist attack, highlighting that during Congress rule in Punjab, the Centre sent a ₹7.5 crore bill for paramilitary deployment. “I had to personally go to the Defence Minister. Our boys are in the Army, and you’re renting paramilitary to us? Are we only here to die? Conflict breaks out elsewhere, and the attack happens here,” he said, expressing his frustration over lack of coordination between states and Centre during such crises.
Punjab Feeds India, Yet Has No Say?
Mann reminded the House and the nation that Punjab contributes 180 lakh metric tonnes of food grains to the central pool. “Don’t we have the right to ask what the Centre’s policy is? When Pakistan attacks, how many countries stand with us? We ask simple questions but get treated like rebels,” he added.
He compared Punjab’s water crisis to global conflicts sarcastically, “If you can broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, why can’t you resolve a water-sharing issue between Punjab and Haryana?”
Mocking misplaced priorities, he added, “Here, sewage lids are missing, but we talk of Chandrayaan missions.”
Class Divide and Water Crisis
Mann pointed out the elite’s disconnect from the ground realities of Punjab’s water scarcity. “People with golden taps in their homes don’t understand water’s importance,” he said. He quipped that Punjab and Haryana are like relatives, with similar water quality, and should behave as such.
“We are the descendants of Bhai Kanhaiya. We offer water even to our enemies. Haryana is our neighbor and brother. But how do we give what we don’t have?”
He strongly opposed handing over dam security to CRPF, demanding that local forces be trusted with critical infrastructure instead.
Film Ban and Centre’s Hypocrisy
Switching topics, Mann also criticized the ban on a film featuring Pakistani actors, starring Diljit Dosanjh. He clarified that the film was shot before the Pahalgam terror attack, and banning it now reeks of double standards.
“First, you call us ‘Sardars’, then label us ‘traitors’. When PM Modi goes to Pakistan for biryani, it’s diplomacy. When a film features a Pakistani actor, it’s sedition? Why the hypocrisy?” he asked.
Summary of CM Mann’s Key Points:
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BBMB’s legal and financial operations are unfair to Punjab
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SYL agreement is outdated and must be revisited
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Centre ignores Punjab’s repeated letters and concerns
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Punjab pays for legal fees in cases against itself
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Attacks Centre for billing during Pathankot attack
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Demands policy clarity and water justice
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Criticizes CRPF deployment for dam security
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Opposes cultural censorship in cinema
