Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of trying to divide Punjab and Haryana by raising the water-sharing issue at a time when the country is united against Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The BJP leader’s remarks came a day after CM Mann refused to release additional water to Haryana, asserting that the neighbouring state had already utilised 103 per cent of its allotted quota. Mann also claimed that the BJP was pressuring the Punjab Government through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to cater to Haryana’s demands.
Mann stated that Haryana had exhausted its share of water by March and is now looking for additional water for April and May. He stressed that Punjab required every drop of its water for the upcoming paddy sowing season and could not afford to spare any surplus.
Criticising the timing of Mann’s statement, Bittu said the entire nation stands together against the ruthless killing of 26 people in Pahalgam in the Valley.
"At this point in time, when everybody stands united to give a befitting reply (to Pakistan), why did you (Mann) speak about creating division," asked Bittu referring to the Punjab Chief Minister’s statement over the water issue.
"You (Mann) have tried to divide two brothers (Punjab and Haryana) at this point in time and you should seek an apology," added Bittu in a video posted on his social media account.
Later in a statement, Bittu said all political parties in one voice had condemned the terror attack and wanted to avenge the killings of the innocent.
"The nation's priority at this time is to show unity and make a strong offensive against Pakistan. Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann chose this time to divide the states and play petty politics over national interests," Bittu further added.
Punjab is a border state and shares a border with Pakistan, the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries said.
"The prime minister and the chiefs of the armed forces were busy planning a strategy to counter Pakistan, but Bhagwant Mann supports the cause of Pakistan. Mann is playing divisive politics without realising the mood of the country. It is a cowardly act," he said.
Highlighting that the water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana was not new and “not an issue” at this point, Bittu said the Punjab CM should apologise for his “shameful act” as this was not the appropriate moment to raise the matter. Punjab has full right to its share of river waters and nobody can snatch it, he stated.
He noted that discussions with the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) regarding water allocations are a routine annual process and should not be politicised.
Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini also responded to Mann’s stance, accusing him of twisting facts about the water issue. Referring to his letter dated April 27 to CM Mann, Saini expressed surprise that instead of replying officially, Mann opted to release a video to “mislead people.”
Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan rely on water from the Bhakra and Pong dams, which are regulated by the BBMB. The board typically finalises the annual water quota for each state starting May 21. The fresh row on water sharing comes alongside the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal issue, which has already been brewing between the two states for the past several years.
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