Breaking: Punjab CM Mann announces freeze on BBMB funds, orders audit of past expenditure; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Nangal, May 11, 2025 – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced that the state government will halt funding to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and initiate an audit of all funds previously allocated to the board.
Addressing a gathering at Nangal, Mann expressed outrage over what he termed as BBMB's betrayal of Punjab’s interests, despite the state holding a 60% stake in the board.
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“It is both shocking and unacceptable that BBMB, which is supposed to serve Punjab’s interests, has gone to court against the state. Even more outrageous is the fact that Punjab will now have to bear 60% of the legal expenses in this case. This is a complete misuse of public money,” Mann said.
As a corrective measure, Mann declared that no further funds would be released to BBMB until a thorough audit of past expenditures is completed.
“We will get every rupee accounted for. The people of Punjab deserve to know how their money has been spent—especially when it’s being used against them,” he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated his demand for restructuring BBMB, calling its current functioning biased and politically motivated. “The Centre is using BBMB to suppress Punjab and divert its resources. This will not be tolerated,” Mann said.
The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the Punjab government and BBMB over water-sharing disputes and alleged unilateral decisions made by the board.