AAP Demands Punjab BJP Clarify Stance on CISF Deployment at BBMB

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the central government’s decision to deploy the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and demanded that the Punjab BJP clarify its stance on the issue.

AAP spokesperson Neel Garg questioned Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, saying that during the all-party meeting led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on the water issue, Jakhar stood with the Punjab government and assured every possible support. Now, however, his party’s media in-charge is supporting the decision to deploy CISF. This contradiction is baffling.

Garg stated that water is Punjab’s lifeline, and Sunil Jakhar must clarify his stance. A dual policy on this issue will not be tolerated. If he truly stands with Punjab on the water issue, he must openly oppose the deployment of CISF and ask the central government to withdraw this decision.

Neel Garg said that Punjab has the rightful claim over its water, and neither the central government nor BBMB can impose their will arbitrarily. "Our Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s position on the water issue is clear: we will not give a single drop of our share of water to any other state."

Garg also pointed out that during previous governments, Punjab’s canal system was in a dire state, primarily due to the Akali-BJP government’s neglect. However, the Mann government has improved the canal water supply to over 60% of areas. Despite these efforts, Punjab is already facing a shortage of water for its farmers, making it impossible to share water with other states.

He further added that the lack of a firm stance by the Punjab government in the past was due to these very parties, as the Akali-BJP government, since 1997, consistently sided with the central government on BBMB and water issues. In contrast, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly opposed the central government’s authoritarian decisions and ensured that no additional water flows to Haryana.