Bhagwant Mann Blames Centre and BBMB for Stirring Tensions, Questions Farmers' Silence
Chandigarh, May 11 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has issued a stern warning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), holding them accountable for any untoward incident arising from continued attempts to release water from the Nangal Dam to Haryana.
Mann rushed to the Nangal Dam in Rupnagar district on Sunday after receiving reports that BBMB officials had again arrived to open water gates for Haryana. The visit triggered protests by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and locals, led by Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, opposing the move.
This development comes just days after BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi was allegedly confined by AAP workers inside the Nangal Dam guest house.
Tensions Escalate Over Water Sharing
The dispute between Punjab and Haryana over water distribution has intensified, with the Punjab government maintaining that Haryana has already exhausted its quota. Mann criticized BBMB’s repeated interventions, stating, "If any violence, loss of life or property occurs, the BJP and BBMB will be held responsible."He accused the central government of playing "dirty games" at a time when Punjab remains vigilant along the international border, especially following the recent military tensions.
Slams Farmers’ Unions for Inaction
Addressing the media and protestors at the dam, Mann voiced disappointment over the farmers’ unions' silence on the issue. “We are saving water for the farmers. Where are the so-called protectors of Punjab’s waters now?” he asked. Taking a sharp jab, he added, “They only want to hold dharnas and block highways. Let them protest here under the sun—there are no AC trolleys here.”Legal and Administrative Pushback
When questioned about legal steps, Mann said there was no court order mandating water release to Haryana that Punjab could challenge. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier directed the Punjab government not to interfere with the daily operations of BBMB, including water regulation at the Bhakra-Nangal Dam.In response, Mann announced that his government would seek a reconstitution of the BBMB and called for an audit of the board’s financial dealings, alleging misuse of taxpayers’ funds. He also warned that Punjab may stop BBMB funding if the Centre continues withholding the state’s rural development funds.
CM Vows to Defend Punjab’s Rights
Reaffirming his government’s stance, Mann said, “We will not allow Punjab’s water to be stolen. Even BBMB is using our money to fight legal cases against us. This is unacceptable.”The Chief Minister also took to social media platform X, accusing the BJP-led Centre of trying to "plunder" Punjab’s water again, declaring, “I will not let this happen.”
With water politics intensifying ahead of the monsoon, the face-off at Nangal Dam is poised to escalate into a broader confrontation over river resource rights in the region.
