Union Minister Ravneet Bittu Meets PM Modi, Discusses Key Issues Concerning Punjab

• May 16, 2025

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Bittu, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening for a wide-ranging discussion on Punjab’s pressing issues. The 40-minute meeting reportedly covered concerns related to water scarcity, regional development, and political strategy.

One of the main points of discussion was the water crisis facing Punjab, especially in the context of the ongoing Punjab-Haryana dispute over Bhakra water sharing. Bittu and the Prime Minister explored the possibility of diverting waters from the western tributaries of the Indus River to Punjab, following the recent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. “Since the Treaty has been suspended, the discussion centred on whether we can find ways to divert the excess waters to Punjab,” sources said.

Bittu also pushed for extending the canal irrigation system to the Doaba and Majha regions, similar to what has been done in Malwa, to improve agricultural productivity and reduce groundwater dependence. Additionally, he urged the Prime Minister to ease the eligibility criteria for Punjabis seeking recruitment into paramilitary forces.

The upcoming Ludhiana West Assembly by-election also figured in the talks. The BJP had garnered the highest number of votes from the constituency in the recent 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the party is closely monitoring the political dynamics as it awaits the announcement of the poll schedule. PM Modi is said to have asked Bittu for insights into the political landscape of the region.

Bittu also raised the issue of the Bandi Sikhs—Sikh prisoners whose release has been a long-standing demand by various groups.

Later, in a social media post, Bittu shared that he had expressed admiration for India’s recent cricket victory over Pakistan and praised PM Modi’s leadership, particularly in managing complex national challenges. He highlighted that the meeting focused on promoting Punjab’s growth and prosperity.

“During the meeting, I presented two books to the Prime Minister — Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail and The Golden Temple — both symbolising the essence of Sikhism and the teachings of Guru Nanak,” Bittu wrote, adding that the Prime Minister also shared his views on Punjab’s current religious and political landscape.