Punjab Water Crisis: All-Party Meeting Underway in Chandigarh, Opposition Leaders Join CM Bhagwant Mann to Form United Stand
Harshabab Sidhu | Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 2, 2025 –
In a significant political development, leaders from all major opposition parties have gathered at Punjab Bhawan for an all-party meeting convened by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to address the escalating concerns over Punjab’s water rights.
The high-stakes meeting, currently underway, is being chaired by CM Bhagwant Mann and aims to forge a collective strategy against the perceived encroachment on Punjab's water resources by the Centre and other states. The gathering reflects rare political consensus on a deeply sensitive and long-standing issue.
From the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, CM Mann is joined by AAP Punjab president Aman Arora. Representing the Shiromani Akali Dal are senior leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema. The Congress has deputed Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa and Rana KP Singh, while the BJP is represented by Sunil Jakhar and Manoranjan Kalia. Dr. Nachhatar Pal is attending on behalf of the Bahujan Samaj Party.
The agenda includes crucial deliberations over the alleged manipulation of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and the contentious diversion of Punjab’s share of river waters to Haryana without consent. The Mann government has also announced a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled for Monday, where a formal resolution is expected to be presented.
The outcome of today’s meeting is likely to shape Punjab’s official stance and future legal or political actions concerning water sharing and federal resource management.