Punjab-Haryana Water Row: Special Assembly Session Convenes Amid Fierce Political Pushback

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Chandigarh: Amid growing tensions over the water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, the Punjab Assembly is holding a one-day special session today to deliberate on the issue of water release to the neighbouring state.

The session comes in response to intensifying demands and political uproar over Punjab’s rights to its river waters, with several state leaders voicing staunch opposition to any additional water release.

Punjab’s Minister for Water Resources, Barinder Kumar Goyal, underscored the legal framework that governs the matter, saying, “The point is not how much water is in the dam but how much each state shares. Water is allocated based on the decision of the BBMB. We will work as per the law to protect our rights.”

The issue has reignited strong emotions and political unity across party lines in Punjab. Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa emphasized his party’s historical stance, declaring, “Congress has always been pro-Punjab and with the people of Punjab. Under any circumstances, Punjab waters will not be given to anyone else. We want the state government to take such a stand to secure our future.”

Punjab Congress MLA Pargat Singh took a broader view, drawing parallels with international treaties: “When the Indus Waters Treaty can be re-visited, then why can’t we re-negotiate this (water sharing with Haryana)?”

Echoing similar sentiments, Punjab Minister Balbir Singh pointed out the state’s rightful ownership over its water resources. “This is the oldest issue between Punjab and Haryana. In a way, there is no issue as Punjab is the riparian state and it should have all the water. Like some states are rich in coal, Punjab is rich in water. We object to more than their (Haryana’s) share of water being given to them.”

Taking a sharper political tone, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused both the Haryana and central governments of conspiring to deprive Punjab of its rightful share: “Water is a huge necessity for Punjab… We have given more than their share of water to Haryana… Both the Haryana and Central governments want to loot water from Punjab. Our AAP govt will never let this happen. We are not doing politics…”

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