Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema strongly condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for their conspiracies against Punjab’s farmers and Punjab's resources. Addressing the ongoing water-sharing dispute, Cheema accused the BJP-led central government of betraying Punjab and attempting to deprive the state of its rightful share of resources.
Cheema emphasized Punjab’s unparalleled contribution to the nation’s food security, highlighting that over 50% of wheat and 22% of rice in the central pool comes from Punjab. He stated, "Punjab's farmers have selflessly sacrificed their groundwater and resources to feed the nation. Today, 115 out of 153 zones in Punjab have been declared ‘dark zones’ due to over-extraction of groundwater to support the Green Revolution."
Minister Cheema said that Rajasthan and Haryana exceeded the limit of their allocated water shares from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Rajasthan: Allocated 3.398 MAF, consumed 3.738 MAF (10% excess). Haryana: Allocated 2.987 MAF, consumed 3.091 MAF (3% excess). Punjab: Allocated 5.512 MAF, used only 4.925 MAF (89% usage).
Despite Punjab’s restrained usage, Cheema criticized BJP leaders for pressuring BBMB to release additional water for Haryana, disregarding the severe water crisis in Punjab. Cheema reaffirmed the AAP government’s unwavering stance to protect Punjab’s water rights.
He declared, “Punjab will not give a single drop of its rightful water to Haryana. Our farmers are already battling depleted groundwater levels, and any further diversion of resources will devastate Punjab’s agrarian economy.” The Minister also pointed out that Punjab is actively working on initiatives to ensure equitable water distribution through pipelines and irrigation channels to farmers.
He assured, “The safety of our dams and water resources is paramount, and strict measures are in place to prevent any unauthorized release of water.” Cheema accused BJP leaders from Punjab, including Ravneet Bittu and Sunil Jakhar, of betraying their home state for political gains.
These leaders are aiding the BJP’s anti-Punjab agenda by supporting unconstitutional actions against the state’s interests. They should immediately resign from the BJP and apologize to the people of Punjab,” he demanded. Highlighting Punjab’s sacrifices and its pivotal role in ensuring national food security, Cheema condemned the BJP’s actions as an insult to Punjab’s legacy.
“The BJP’s dictatorial policies are an attack on Punjab’s farmers, resources, and culture. The people of Punjab will not tolerate this betrayal,” he added. Cheema concluded with a direct challenge to BJP Punjab leaders, urging them to clarify their stance on the water.
He also demanded explanation from Haryana's BJP government for not using water carefully and asked how they would justify their demands for additional water.