The announcement followed an intense two-hour all-party meeting in Chandigarh.
Punjab and Haryana Water Row Latest News: In a rare and significant show of political unity, leaders across party lines in Punjab have come together to oppose the release of additional water to Haryana amid the ongoing water crisis. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, flanked by opposition leaders, announced on Thursday that all major political parties have agreed that Punjab cannot part with even a drop of water due to its current shortages.
The announcement followed an intense two-hour all-party meeting in Chandigarh, where participants unanimously agreed that Punjab lacks the resources to fulfill Haryana’s request for 8,500 cusecs of water. “There was no division. Every party set aside its political agenda to stand for Punjab’s water rights,” said CM Mann during a joint press briefing.
The meeting also addressed Punjab’s representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and reiterated long-standing concerns over the Chandigarh Union Territory issue. A proposal was floated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek a resolution on these matters, including the contentious water sharing dispute.
“We are not against cooperation,” CM Mann clarified. “But Punjab is currently facing a severe shortage. A reassessment can only happen after May 20. Until then, our position is firm.”
A final decision on further steps, including approaching Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected during a special session of the Vidhan Sabha scheduled for Monday.
The rare political consensus highlights the urgency of Punjab’s water concerns and signals a potentially unified appeal at the national level for the protection of the state’s vital water resources.
