In a major development, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday chaired an all-party meeting over the Punjab-Haryana Water dispute. Representatives of almost all recognised political parties of Punjab, including Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, attended the meeting. Suggestions from all the parties were taken over the Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute. CM Bhagwant Mann announced that a special Vidhan Sabha Session has been called to discuss the water dispute ongoing between Haryana and Punjab. Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar also extended his support to CM Mann, saying that Punjab doesn't have extra water that it will give to other states.
For the unversed, a major political storm has erupted between Punjab and Haryana over the distribution of Bhakra canal water. For the past three days, both state governments have been locked in a direct standoff, prompting Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government to convene a two-hour all-party meeting at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh. Below is what the Punjab leaders said in a press conference after the all-party meeting-
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann addressing the media said, "An all-party meeting has taken place on a very serious issue. In the meeting, representatives and Pradhans of all recognized political parties of Punjab participated. Representatives of all the parties gave their views in the meeting that lasted for almost 2 hours on the water issue. The sudden water issue has been dictated by the state, and that too by bypassing Punjab. An overnight decision was made to give Punjab's water to Haryana. The chairman of BBMB and other officials were changed overnight. In the all-party meeting, we discussed over over this that this is not the right way. We are already giving 4000 cusecs of water to Haryana on humanitarian grounds for drinking water purposes. Depending on Haryana's population, they should get 1700 cusec of water. Since the water is also sent to Delhi, and to take care of animals, Punjab is giving 4000 cusec water to Haryana from its own quota. Instead of thanking Punjab, they took the issue in a totally different direction."
'Sunil Jakhar has agreed to rise above their party line for the water of Punjab', says CM Mann
CM Mann further said, "All political parties of Punjab have accepted that such things should not happen. Representatives of all the parties, including Sunil Jhakhar, have agreed to rise above their party line for the water of Punjab. Now, it is not the time for politics, this is about the lifeline of Punjab. I thank all the leaders for reaching this consensus. We have called a special session on Monday at 12 pm to discuss the water issue. Some agendas have also been finalised."
"BBMB agreement, the clause that is in it, and what conditions it was made under. The Power Secretary is from Punjab, Irrigation Secretary is from Haryana. Chandigarh's ratio is 60-40, but it is also not being fulfilled. Many serious issues of Punjab were discussed in the meeting. Some suggested meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. We have noted all the suggestions and will discuss them in the Vidhan Sabha on Monday. Sunil Jakhar has also agreed to this. The situation has changed today, and so has the water demand. Demand for water in Haryana may have increased as well. But they will get their quota of water after May 20."
'We will keep the water of Punjab in Punjab', says SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhundarh
SAD leader Balwinder Singh Bhundarh said, "I request you all (media), this is the issue of any political party. Either by love or by law, we will keep the water of Punjab in Punjab. The dispute is not between people-to-people. The dispute is because of the Centre. The centre will resolve the issue, and we will approach them."
All party delegation to meet PM Modi
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann clarified that not only AAP but the delegation of all the parties will go to PM Modi to discuss the water dispute, but the timeline for when they will go has not been decided. It may be decided after the special session of the Vidhan Sabha.
What did Sunil Jakhar say on the Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute?
Sunil Jakhar said, "I thank CM Mann and representatives of all the parties who attended this meeting. There are two issues: the division of water. We don't have any extra water to give to any other state. CM Mann had already given them 4000 cusec of water. When CM Mann was giving 4000 cusecs of water, no one was pointing any finger, that's why he is giving Punjab's water to Haryana. If someone asks for help, we generally help, but that is another thing. But, if you want Punjab's water forcefully, then I would like to say Punjabis don't endure force. Every state has its rights in the federal system."
"The way the dispute has been put forward, we do not accept it. At a time when our armed forces are at the border confronting Pakistan, my issue was that this water dispute between Punjab and Haryana was totally avoidable. I requested CM Mann that let's resolve this by meeting PM Modi. I am from Punjab, and I don't need anyone's certificate that I am a Punjabi or not."
On being asked whether he will act as a bridge between the Centre and the Punjab Government, Jakhar said, "The Chief Minister is the head of the state, he does not need my help. But if he needs my help, I am ready to mediate to ease the situation."