The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Wednesday criticised the BJP-led Central government’s changes in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), saying the decision “reflects a larger attempt to take control of river waters and weaken the state’s rightful authority over its resources”.
AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu said here that “Punjab has a long history of facing injustice but has always responded with resilience, even as certain leaders from within the state weakened its position in the past”.
“The story of injustices against Punjab is long, but the people of the state have always fought back with double the strength. Unfortunately, in the past, some leaders from Punjab itself played a role in weakening the state’s interests,” he told the media.
He said the Centre’s decision to open key BBMB posts to applicants from across the country “goes against the spirit of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and subsequent arrangements made during the formation of BBMB”.
“Under the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, and later in 1976 when BBMB was formed, these crucial positions were meant for Punjab. Now, the Centre wants to take control by planting its own officers,” he said.
Linking the development to a broader agenda of exploiting the state’s water resources, Pannu pointed out that Haryana had already exhausted its allocated share of water last year and later demanded additional supply.
“Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made it clear that if Haryana failed to use its share properly, it is their fault, not Punjab’s. Even this year, Punjab repeatedly advised Haryana to use water judiciously,” he clarified.
Pannu further said there are attempts to remove existing officials and replace them with individuals aligned with the Centre to influence decisions related to Punjab’s waters.
He emphasised that Punjab has already borne the burden of excessive groundwater extraction and its consequences.
“Punjab has already suffered immensely; our groundwater has been depleted due to paddy cultivation, and people are battling serious diseases like cancer due to pesticides,” he added.