AAP Punjab President Aman Arora Writes to BJP Punjab Chief Sunil Jakhar: Why Are You Silent on the Exploitation of Punjab’s Water Rights

Chandigarh, May 1, 2025:  In a strongly worded letter, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora has called out BJP Punjab President Sunil Jakhar over the BJP-led central government and Haryana government's continuous exploitation of Punjab's water rights. Arora questioned Jakhar's silence on the illegal decisions taken by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) and asked whether Jakhar is accountable to the people of Punjab.

In his letter, Arora expressed grave concerns about the recent illegal resolutions passed during a BBMB meeting, which reportedly approved the diversion of 8,500 cusecs of additional water to Haryana. "This brazen decision, orchestrated by the Narendra Modi-led central government, is nothing short of daylight robbery and an outright attack on Punjab's rights," said Arora.

Highlighting the dire situation of Punjab's depleting water resources, Arora stated that the water levels in Punjab's reservoirs, including Pong Dam, Bhakra Dam, and Ranjit Sagar Dam, have reached alarming lows—32 feet, 12 feet, and 14 feet lower, respectively, compared to last year. He emphasized that every drop of water is precious, particularly in a state where groundwater levels are critically declining.

Arora also refuted Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's claims that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann had promised additional water to Haryana. "CM Mann has made it clear that no such assurance was ever given that could jeopardize Punjab's rightful share of water. Such baseless and misleading statements from a person in high office are unacceptable," Arora stated.

Further, Arora pointed out that while Punjab has been providing Haryana with 4,000 cusecs of water daily for drinking purposes, Haryana’s demand for additional water is unreasonable. He criticized the BJP for mismanaging Haryana's allocated share and attempting to loot Punjab's share instead.

Questioning Jakhar's role as a leader from Punjab, Arora wrote, "As someone born and raised in Punjab, are you not accountable to the people of your state? Why have you remained silent in the face of such blatant exploitation? The youth, intellectuals, and all citizens of Punjab are closely watching your stance. It is time for you to decide—will you stand up for Punjab's rights or continue to serve BJP's anti-Punjab agenda?"

AAP Punjab President Aman Arora concluded his letter with an urgent appeal to Sunil Jakhar to take a firm stand against the central government’s unjust actions. "As the President of AAP Punjab, I urge you, on behalf of 3.5 crore Punjabis, to protect the state's rights. Punjab will not tolerate this injustice any longer."

Arora reaffirmed AAP's commitment to fighting for Punjab’s water rights and warned against any further attempts to undermine the state’s interests.