Chandigarh witnessed a fresh political storm as the Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy erupted over the BJP's decision to celebrate the centenary of the Gang Canal from Punjab's soil, an act Bajwa labeled as deeply insensitive and politically provocative.
A Celebration of Colonial Injustice?
In a strong statement, Bajwa accused the BJP of demonstrating a profound disconnect from Punjab's history and the sentiments of its people. He reminded the public that the Gang Canal was not a project born from local benefit but a colonial construct. Built by the British in the early 20th century, its primary purpose, according to Bajwa, was to appease the Maharaja of Bikaner, whose loyalty to the British Crown was rewarded with generous allocations of Punjab's precious river waters.
"This colonial-era arrangement was made without the consent or consideration of the Punjabis," Bajwa asserted. He emphasized that this decision left Punjab's farmers to shoulder long-term ecological and economic burdens. "The Gang Canal was never a gift to Punjab; it was a political favour granted by foreign rulers at Punjab's expense," he declared, framing the canal as a symbol of historical exploitation rather than development.
Reopening Punjab's Painful Wounds
Bajwa explained that for the people of Punjab, especially the farming community, the Gang Canal evokes memories of historic injustice. "It represents the diversion of our waters, the undermining of our rights, and the beginning of decades-long exploitation of Punjab's natural resources," he stated. The Congress leader argued that organizing a celebratory event on Punjab's land is tantamount to reopening these painful wounds.
He criticized the BJP for attempting to glorify a project that symbolizes profound loss for the state. The event, which is being fronted by BJP leaders and endorsed by a Union minister, showcases, in his words, "how far the BJP is willing to go in its politics of distortion." Bajwa contrasted this celebration with the pressing issues facing Punjab today, such as groundwater depletion, collapsing canal systems, and the ongoing agrarian crisis.
An Affront to Dignity and a Call for Unity
"In a state already facing severe water stress, celebrating the very canal that took away Punjab's water is an affront to our dignity," Bajwa said, raising the emotional pitch of his argument. He categorically stated that this is not a commemoration but a provocation, accusing the BJP of rubbing salt on Punjab's historical wounds.
Reaffirming Punjab's stance, Bajwa issued a stern warning. "Punjab's waters belong to Punjab. No party will be allowed to disrespect our history or our farmers," he asserted. He concluded with a call to action, urging all Punjabis to stand united in defending the state's rights and honour against what he perceives as a deliberate act of political insensitivity. The stage is now set for a heated political debate over history, resources, and regional pride.
