Centre’s move to give Himachal and Rajasthan permanent membership in BBMB is an assault on Punjab’s constitutional and riparian rights: Neel Garg

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab today strongly condemned the BJP-led central government’s conspiracy to grant permanent membership to Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), a move AAP described as a direct attack on Punjab’s constitutional and riparian rights.

Addressing a press conference, AAP senior spokesperson Neel Garg said that the Centre’s latest move exposes its anti-Punjab mindset and represents yet another deliberate attempt to weaken Punjab’s control over its water and power resources. Showing a letter of the central government, Garg said, “This letter from the Central Government, sent to the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, and Rajasthan, clearly shows that the BJP wants to permanently include Himachal and Rajasthan in the BBMB. This is nothing but another betrayal of Punjab.”

He added that Punjab has historically borne the financial burden of BBMB, with over 40% of its expenses funded by Punjab, while the state continues to face repeated attempts by the BJP to snatch away its legitimate share of resources.

Neel Garg reminded that the BJP’s hostility toward Punjab is not new. “From denying funds to manipulating BBMB, the BJP has consistently conspired to economically and politically weaken Punjab,” he said.

He pointed out that earlier this year, the BJP had even tried to divert Punjab’s share of river water to Haryana through BBMB, but Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s firm stand prevented this injustice. “Now, through this new attempt, the BJP is trying to dilute Punjab’s rights once again by changing the structure of BBMB,” Garg said.

Garg said that the AAP government will strongly oppose any move to alter the BBMB structure or Punjab’s representation in it. “CM Bhagwant Mann’s government will fight tooth and nail to protect every right of Punjab,” he asserted.

Neel Garg also lashed out at the Centre for its continued apathy towards Punjab’s flood-hit families. He said the BJP government at the Centre promised ₹1,600 crore as relief after devastating floods but did not release a single rupee. “Prime Minister Modi flew over Punjab in a helicopter, made empty promises, and left. Not a single paisa has reached Punjab,” he said.

Instead, Garg added, the Centre insulted Punjab by counting advance SDRF instalments and National Highway funds as part of the ₹1,600 crore package, effectively giving Punjab nothing new.

He accused BJP leaders Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Bittu, and Ashwani Sharma of acting as “mouthpieces of Delhi bosses” instead of standing with Punjab during this crisis.

“I want to ask these leaders, do you support this anti-Punjab BBMB decision? Will you stand with Punjab or with your Delhi high command that is repeatedly stabbing Punjab in the back?” Garg questioned.

Garg also praised the Bhagwant Mann government for acting swiftly and efficiently. CM Mann had promised that compensation would be delivered within 45 days of the flood survey, but the process began in just 30 days. The Punjab government, Garg said, is providing ₹20,000 per acre compensation to affected farmers, four times more than the Centre’s contribution of just ₹5,100 under SDRF norms. “This proves who truly cares for Punjab,” he said.

AAP has also increased the compensation for damaged houses from a meagre amount to ₹1.20 lakh per house, showing its commitment to genuine rehabilitation.

Garg urged the Centre to immediately revise SDRF guidelines so that flood victims can receive fair compensation, as per current realities. “Rules are meant to serve people, not to torment them. The BJP must end its arrogant approach and change these outdated norms,” Garg said.

Neel Garg concluded that while the BJP continues to use Punjab as a political punching bag, AAP will remain the voice and shield of Punjab. “Whether it is the issue of water, power, farmers, or disaster relief, Punjab’s rights will not be surrendered. The Aam Aadmi Party government will defend them with full force,” he said.

Concluding his statement Neel Garg strongly condemned and opposed the centre’s plan to give Himachal and Rajasthan permanent BBMB membership. He termed this move as direct theft of Punjab’s rights and resources. He slammed the BJP of repeatedly denying Punjab funds for development and disaster relief.