Punjab AAP on Tuesday accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of imposing an “illegal” financial burden of Rs 500 crore on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Addressing a press conference, Punjab Water Resources Minister and senior AAP leader Barinder Kumar Goyal said the proposed “new cess” has no legal basis and violates federal principles.
He claimed the move would directly harm Punjab’s interests and described it as a conspiracy against the state.
Goyal said the Himachal Pradesh government had earlier attempted to impose a water cess, but it was withdrawn after being challenged for being illegal.
“After the previous attempt failed, the Congress government has come up with another arbitrary levy without explaining under which law it has been imposed,” he said.
The minister also said there was no transparency on how the value of BBMB land, machinery and infrastructure was assessed.
He alleged that Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu had initially spoken of imposing a four per cent tax, which was later reduced to two per cent, before finally announcing Rs 500 crore as the state’s share.
Calling the decision unconstitutional, Goyal said Punjab has a major stake in BBMB and such a levy would negatively impact the state. He said the Punjab government has written to the BBMB, terming the levy illegal and unacceptable.
“We will fight this issue before the BBMB, in courts and at every appropriate forum,” he further stated. He accused the Congress of historically damaging Punjab’s interests, especially on water-related issues.
Goyal also criticised Punjab Congress leaders for remaining silent, alleging that they have failed to stand up for the state. He said the AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will not allow any injustice or financial exploitation of Punjab and will strongly counter any illegal cess.
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