Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the central government during a special session of the assembly on Friday, concerning the water crisis and the Indus Water Treaty. He stated in no uncertain terms that Punjab no longer has a single drop of water to give to any other state. Mann demanded that the center reconsider the Indus Water Treaty, asserting that the water of Punjab's rivers is the right of the state and that his government would take every step to protect it.
The Chief Minister said that water is not just a resource for Punjab, but a question of identity and existence. He emphasized that there is no question of giving this water to anyone else. Mann also opposed the deployment of CISF at the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, adding that the water dispute began in 1955, but there has never been a comprehensive review of it since then. He argued that such matters should be reviewed every 25 years.
Punjab Could Benefit Greatly from the Indus Water Treaty
The Chief Minister described the Indian government's recent decision to postpone the Indus Water Treaty as a significant opportunity for Punjab. He stated that if this decision is effectively implemented, the state could receive approximately 23 million acre-feet (MAF) of additional water from the western rivers like the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. This water could play a crucial role in meeting Punjab's agricultural, irrigation, and drinking water needs.
Mann urged the center to prioritize Punjab in the utilization of this water. He also demanded the construction of new reservoirs above the Bhakra and Pong Dams located in Himachal Pradesh to improve water management and distribution.
Punjab is Paying the Price for Making the Country the Granary
Becoming emotional, the Chief Minister stated that Punjab has misused its water and land resources to make the country self-reliant in the field of food grains during the Green Revolution. He said that now is the time for the center to give Punjab its due compensation.
Mann also bly criticized the opposition parties. He said that both the Congress and the BJP have equally contributed to the looting of Punjab's water resources over the past six decades. He alleged that some Congress leaders were involved in laying the foundation of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, and now those same people are trying to mislead the public.
Targeting Pratap Singh Bajwa
The Chief Minister launched a personal attack on the Leader of the Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa, saying that he doesn't even have knowledge of the Punjabi language. He said that Congress leaders just need excuses to avoid facing the public. This assembly is the voice of the 3.5 crore people of Punjab. Only those elected by the people can sit here, not those who come only to do political drama, Mann said.
Mann accused the Congress and the BJP of dividing the country on linguistic, communal, and regional lines. He said that if these parties abandon their divisive policies, India can progress in every field. He appealed to the public to now recognize the real issues and expose those forces that are conspiring to divide society.
