Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has strongly criticized Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann for politicizing the issue of water distribution, calling it deeply regrettable and against the spirit of national unity. Emphasizing that this is not a matter of irrigation but of essential drinking water, the Chief Minister said that such basic human needs must never be turned into political tools. Punjab is the sacred land of the Gurus, he said, and it is unfortunate that the Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government is disregarding the Gurus’ teachings of compassion and humanity.
Water is a lifeline, not a political weapon. As our elder brother, Punjab should set an example, not block what is rightfully and ethically shared, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini while addressing a press conference at Panchkula on Thursday.
The Chief Minister said, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is unable to tolerate its defeat in Delhi. They showed big dreams to the people of Delhi, but were thrown out of power there. Now they are trying to save face in Punjab, but they will not be able to succeed there either.
He said that both I and Bhagwant Mann come from humble families. We both know how our mothers used to carry water pots from 2 kilometers. Therefore, he should not politicize drinking water. I request Bhagwant Mann to not be misled by others and to use his own wisdom. Respect the mandate given by the people of Punjab and do not create animosity between Haryana and Punjab, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Bhagwant Mann should refrain from indulging in petty politics over water, instead focus on the development of Punjab-CM
Advising the Punjab Chief Minister, CM Nayab Singh Saini said that he should not indulge in petty politics over water but instead focus on the development of Punjab. The people of Punjab have given him a mandate. He should work in the interest of the people and live up to their expectations, he said.
Criticizing the Punjab Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said, earlier, they got lathicharge done on farmers. I have always said that farmers are the ones who feed the nation; they are hardworking people. But even then, they were subjected to violence. Punjab should abandon such low-level politics, he said.
The Chief Minister urged that politics should rise above party lines and be directed toward the development of Punjab. He said that the issue is not about irrigation water but about drinking water. It is part of our culture, and we have learned from the Gurus to offer water even to strangers. In the entire history so far, there has never been a dispute over drinking water. But now, since elections are approaching in Punjab, AAP is playing politics, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
He added that the people of Punjab are well aware of this political game. Punjab is our elder brother—why create conflict? Please don’t indulge in this petty politics, said the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister further said, our culture is such that if Punjab is thirsty, we would cut from our own share of water to give it to the people of Punjab. In just two months, the monsoon will begin, and then rainwater will flow into Pakistan—a country that is killing our innocent citizens. Why should we give them water, said Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Bhagwant Mann Speaking Kejriwal’s Script, Not His Own, Mann should act wisely and not become a pawn in someone else’s political drama-CM
The Chief Minister accused former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of also politicizing water during the Delhi elections, mentioning poison being mixed into the Yamuna river. Even now, behind what Bhagwant Mann is saying, it is actually Kejriwal’s script. He warned Bhagwant Mann to act wisely and not become a pawn in someone else’s political drama.
He further shared that during April, May, and June, extra water flows because of the heat. The population is continuously increasing, and so is the demand for water. If we look at the NCR area, a lot of industries have come up. Compared to the 2011 SECC data, the population has nearly doubled, he said.
The Chief Minister further highlighted that in the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, water was never stopped. Every year during April, May, and June, 9,000 cusecs of water is supplied, out of which Delhi gets 500 cusecs, Rajasthan 800 cusecs, and Punjab 400 cusecs, and Haryana fulfill its drinking needs from the rest of the water share, he shared.