SAD alleges CM Mann is preparing to give away Punjab’s river water rights to Haryana, the Shiromani Akali Dal said on Tuesday. The party warned that such a move would seriously harm Punjab’s long-term interests. Moreover, SAD accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of putting political survival above State rights.
Addressing a press conference, senior SAD leader Parambans Singh Romana said SAD alleges CM Mann is acting on the directions of AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal. According to him, the Chief Minister avoided clearly stating that Punjab has no spare water. As a result, this silence has raised serious concerns across the State.
Furthermore, Romana said Mann’s remark on deciding water allocation before building the SYL canal exposed the government’s intent. He argued that the SYL issue stands legally closed. Therefore, any attempt to revive it would betray Punjab’s farmers and citizens.
Meanwhile, the SAD reiterated that it would not allow even a single drop of Punjab’s water to go to Haryana. Romana stressed that the Riparian Principle gives Punjab sole rights over its rivers. In contrast, he questioned why this principle applies elsewhere but not in Punjab.
Additionally, Romana criticised the Chief Minister for using religious references. He said Sikh teachings promote compassion but never surrender rights. He also recalled that SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal took firm legal steps to block the SYL canal and return land to farmers.
Finally, Romana alleged that Arvind Kejriwal has long sought to divert Punjab’s water. He asserted that the SAD will strongly oppose any such attempt.
