The North News
Chandigarh, May 1
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called an all-party meeting to address growing concerns over river water sharing, accusing the central government of undermining the state’s rights through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
The meeting will be held on Friday at Punjab Bhawan in Chandigarh, with invitations extended to all major political parties in the state.
The Chief Minister said the Centre’s actions amounted to a “draconian” attempt to divert Punjab’s water resources to neighbouring Haryana by misusing the powers of the BBMB. He described the issue as one that transcends political affiliations and called for unity in defending Punjab’s rights.
“Every drop of river water belongs to Punjab, and we will not allow anyone to take it away,” Mann said.
A special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha is scheduled for Monday, during which the state government is expected to table a resolution on the matter.
Mann has urged political leaders to rise above partisan politics, warning that the Centre’s move could set a dangerous precedent. He labelled it “repressive, undemocratic and unfair”, and asked for full support from all parties in what he described as a collective fight.
Water sharing has been a long-standing point of contention in northern India, especially between Punjab and Haryana. Control over river water is a sensitive political and environmental issue in the region, often evoking strong public and political reactions.
