Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Surjewala slams Punjab Govt over Bhakra control, questions Centre’s silence
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 4, 2025: Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala on Sunday launched a scathing attack on both the Punjab and Central governments over the ongoing water crisis in Haryana, accusing them of creating an artificial dispute to derail democratic processes ahead of elections.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Surjewala said that Haryana is facing a severe water shortage, receiving only 4,500 cusecs from the Bhakra dam instead of the allocated 8,500 cusecs.
“There is no water even for animals. Cotton sowing will be affected, and this could severely impact future crop yields,” he said.
Surjewala alleged that the Punjab government, under the influence of power, has taken control of a central project.
“On May 1, Punjab deployed police at Bhakra and locked the gates. This is the first time in the country’s history that a state has taken over a central project,” he claimed.
Raising serious questions, he said, “Why hasn’t the CISF been deployed to protect the dam, which is the responsibility of the Union Home Ministry? BBMB’s Chairman had written to the Centre seeking CISF deployment, but no action was taken.”
The Congress MP also criticized the Haryana government and Chief Minister Manohar Lal. “Instead of raising the issue with the Centre, CM Nayab Saini is holding all-party meetings which are mere formalities. Meanwhile, Power Minister Manohar Lal remains silent and missing from action,” he said.
Surjewala accused the BJP and AAP of colluding to create this dispute ahead of the elections. “This is a scripted drama to stop the Congress from coming to power in Punjab. The BJP is trying to make Bhagwant Mann a hero, fearing his rejection by the public.”
“Is BBMB not a central body? Can any state lock down a central project? If this continues, anyone will take over any national resource. This is not how the country should be run,” he warned.
He also questioned the Modi government’s 2022 decision to change the BBMB appointment process, claiming that earlier the Chairperson and two members from Punjab and Haryana were appointed through mutual consensus.
“If this situation is not controlled, it will lead to chaos across the nation. The Centre must issue strict directives. This is not about states fighting each other—this is about political forces trying to ignite unrest for electoral gains,” he said.
Surjewala concluded by reaffirming that Punjab and Haryana share a deep relationship, but “now it is being exploited for political gains.”