Accusing State BJP Chief Vijay Sampla for adopting ‘double standard’ on the issue of Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal issue, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today dared Sampla to clarify his party’s stand on the issue.“Sampla must explain whether his party will also not abide by the Supreme Court’s verdict on SYL issue, if it goes against the interests of Punjab”, State Convener of AAP Gurpreet Singh Waraich said.If Sampla is really serious about the interests of Punjab, will he appeal to Prime Minister Narindra Modi to withdraw case seeking presidential reference from Supreme Court? Waraich quipped.Waraich sought Sampla’s take on the filing of affidavit by Solicitor General of India Ranjit Sinha against the interests of Punjab on SYL issue and asked will Sampla ensure withdrawal of Sinha’s affidavit from the Apex Court.State BJP Chief should also explain, what steps he took to save water of Punjab and did he take up the issue with his concerned minister colleague?, he further asked.
It is pertinent to mention here that Union Minister of State and State BJP Chief Vijay Sampla on Wednesday defended Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal’s remarks on the SYL canal issue, saying Punjab should get its rightful share of the riverwaters.Sampla reportedly stated Punjab was the grain basket of the country and had contributed immensely to the economy as well so it was justified that the state was given its rightful share of waters which was an essential condition for sustaining and strengthening its agricultural economy.Sampla said just like industries were given subsidies for their growth, similarly adequate water was required for boosting agriculture.Sampla said Punjab’s demand for water was not for itself but for the nation.Badal had yesterday said Punjab and its people would not accept any verdict against the state's interest on river waters.