Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat Slams Centre’s Decision to Release State’s Water to Haryana
Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Thursday strongly criticized the BJP-led Union Government for what he termed a unilateral and unjust decision to release Punjab’s share of water to Haryana. The minister staged a protest at Babu Jagjivan Ram Chowk, accompanied by District Planning Committee Chairman Amritpal Singh, to voice his opposition.
Bhagat described the move as a serious blow to Punjab’s autonomy and rights, calling it “dictatorial” and “discriminatory.”
“The Union Government’s decision will not be tolerated. The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, will go to any extent to protect the state’s water,” Bhagat asserted.
He accused the Centre of pursuing a biased agenda against non-BJP ruled states, citing Punjab and West Bengal as examples. Reaffirming Punjab’s claim over its water, Bhagat said:
“Punjab’s water belongs to Punjabis. Haryana has already received its due share — not a single drop more will be allowed to flow out.”
The minister highlighted the growing resentment across the state, pointing to state-wide protests led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers and MLAs.
“This is not just a protest. It’s a fight for justice, and AAP will leave no stone unturned to safeguard Punjab’s interests,” he said.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has already publicly opposed the BBMB-backed decision to release 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana from the Bhakra Dam, which the Punjab Government claims is unsustainable due to low reservoir levels.
During the protest, Bhagat and others raised slogans against the Centre, warning that Punjab’s voice would echo across the nation. He announced that AAP leaders would organize protests in all 117 Assembly constituencies to demonstrate united resistance.
“We are standing together for our water, our rights, and our future,” Bhagat concluded.
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