Amid the escalating dispute over water sharing from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini shared a stage at a government event in Chandigarh on Saturday—but refrained from any interaction.
The two leaders, accompanied by the Governors of their respective states, attended a walkathon organised to raise awareness against drug abuse. Despite standing close during the event, Mann and Saini avoided conversation. A photograph from the gathering showed Saini greeting Mann, who appeared to turn away, avoiding eye contact.
Speaking to the media after the event, CM Saini urged that the BBMB water issue should not be politicised and accused Mann of using it for political gain. He reiterated that his demand for a canal is in the interest of Haryana’s 2.8 crore citizens.
In a recent remark, Saini had referred to Mann as a "relative," pointing out that the Punjab CM's wife hails from Pehowa in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district. Mann had retorted that Haryana residents traditionally do not even drink water from their daughter’s home, yet its CM is demanding an entire canal.
When questioned about Mann's statement, Saini responded, “He is my relative, and my demand is not personal. The canal is for the people. Even sages and saints offer water to guests—it’s unfortunate this issue has turned political.”
The exchange highlights the deepening tensions between the two states over water distribution from the BBMB, an issue that continues to spark political friction.
Follow us
