AAP Challenges Rival Parties Over Punjab's Water Rights Dispute
In a sharp political critique, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) general secretary Baltej Pannu on Thursday raised pointed questions about the "deafening silence" maintained by leaders of the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's assertion that Rajasthan owes Punjab a staggering Rs 1.44 lakh crore under a historic 1920 water agreement.
Allegations of Historical Compromises
Pannu alleged that for decades, the parties that have governed Punjab have consistently compromised the state's vital rights, and now find themselves without answers as the truth emerges before the public. "Ever since the Chief Minister presented evidence-backed facts indicating that, according to the 1920 agreement, Rajasthan owes Punjab Rs 1.44 lakh crore in compensation for water received since 1960, why are leaders of Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, who collectively ruled for over 70 years, remaining silent on this critical issue?" he demanded. He emphasized that these traditional political forces have no substantive responses to the pressing questions being raised by the citizens of Punjab.
Targeting BJP's Sunil Jakhar
Directly addressing BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar, Pannu remarked, "Jakhar Sahib, the same leaders who were once aligned with you in the Congress are now seated alongside you in the BJP. Why are you choosing to remain silent on these betrayals today?" He asserted that the people of Punjab are acutely aware of the implications behind such silence, interpreting it as a continuation of past neglect.
AAP's Claims of Revitalizing Punjab
Pannu further contrasted the alleged failures of previous administrations with the achievements of the AAP government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He claimed that the same traditional parties had pushed Punjab to the brink of agricultural barrenness, but the AAP administration has successfully revived the state within just four years. "Previously, only 22% of canal water managed to reach the fields; today, thanks to the concerted efforts of the Mann government, that figure has dramatically increased to 78%," he stated.
Additionally, he highlighted ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure that had been neglected or compromised. "Canals and distributaries that were buried by previous governments, often in collusion with land mafias, are now being systematically revived. The restoration of the 'Lambi Canal' serves as a living testament to our commitment to Punjab's agricultural and water security," Pannu added, underscoring the government's proactive measures in addressing long-standing issues.
