Bhagwant Mann Playing Divisive Politics Amid National Crisis, Says Union Minister Bittu
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of attempting to sow discord between Punjab and Haryana by reigniting the water-sharing issue at a time when the country is united in grief and anger over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Bittu’s remarks followed Mann’s refusal to release additional water to Haryana, asserting that the neighboring state had already consumed 103% of its allocated share. Mann further accused the BJP-led central government of pressuring Punjab through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to supply extra water to Haryana. He stated that Punjab needs the water for its upcoming paddy sowing season and that no surplus water is available.
“The entire nation is standing together to condemn the brutal killing of 26 people in Pahalgam. At such a crucial time, why would you (Mann) choose to bring up an issue that divides states?” Bittu said in a video posted to Facebook. “You’ve tried to drive a wedge between two brotherly states—Punjab and Haryana—and you owe the nation an apology.”
In a subsequent statement, Bittu emphasized the need for unity, saying that all political parties had come together to condemn the terror attack and to support a strong response against Pakistan. He criticized Mann’s timing in raising the water issue, calling it politically motivated and inappropriate.
“While the prime minister and armed forces are devising strategies to respond to Pakistan, Bhagwant Mann is playing into the enemy’s hands with divisive politics. It is a shameful and cowardly act,” Bittu added.
He acknowledged that water-sharing disputes between Punjab and Haryana are longstanding but insisted that now is not the time to stir tensions. “These matters are addressed through annual inter-state meetings coordinated by the BBMB. Raising the issue in public at this moment is unnecessary,” Bittu said.
Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini responded to Mann's stance by accusing him of misrepresenting the facts. Saini referred to a letter he sent to Mann on April 27, expressing surprise that Mann chose to release a public video instead of replying formally.
The water needs of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan are met through allocations from the Bhakra and Pong dams, which are overseen by the BBMB. The Board decides the distribution of water among the states starting from May 21 each year.
This latest controversy adds to the ongoing tensions between Punjab and Haryana over the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal, a long-standing and contentious issue between the two states.
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