Harpal Cheema asks Nayab Saini - Do You Have No Regard for Legal Agreements and Constitutional Provisions

Chandigarh, May 1, 2025: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Finance Minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for its attempts to unjustly allocate Punjab’s water to Haryana. Responding to recent statements by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Cheema accused the central government of disregarding legal agreements and constitutional provisions that protect Punjab’s rights over its water.

Cheema stated, “Haryana has already utilized its entire share of water as per the legal framework and agreements under the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Punjab has always abided by the law and the terms of water allocation treaties. Yet, Haryana continues to demand more, violating these agreements and undermining the federal structure of India by misusing powers at the central government.”

He further said that Punjab, being an agrarian state, depends heavily on its water resources. “Punjab’s agricultural economy cannot afford this unlawful and unfair deprivation of its rightful water share. The BJP government’s actions amount to looting Punjab’s water, and we will not allow this to happen at any cost,” he added.

Cheema also criticized the central government for misusing its power by unlawfully removing Punjab’s officers from the BBMB. He asserted, “The wrongful removal of Punjab’s officers exposes the rotten intentions of the BJP-led central government. It is a blatant violation of federal principles and an attempt to undermine Punjab’s authority. No officer of Punjab will vacate their position. We will fight this conspiracy tooth and nail.”

Highlighting the central government’s dictatorial behavior, Cheema warned against such conspiracies. “The Centre’s actions reveal their authoritarian mindset. Punjab has rights and powers within India’s federal structure, and any attempt to diminish them will be met with strong opposition. The people of Punjab will take to the streets to defend their rights,” he stated.

Reiterating AAP’s commitment to protecting Punjab’s water resources, Cheema called on the central government to immediately reverse its decisions and respect the legal agreements governing water distribution. “Punjab’s people will not tolerate this betrayal. We will stand united against this injustice and ensure that Punjab’s rightful water share is safeguarded,” he concluded.

The AAP leader pledged to intensify opposition through protests and legal action if the central government persists with its unconstitutional actions.