Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday launched a sharp attack on Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini over his frequent visits to Punjab for BJP-related events. Warring questioned Saini's stance on key issues like the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, the transfer of Chandigarh, and the transfer of Punjabi-speaking areas of Haryana to Punjab.
Warring's Criticism of Saini's Dual Role
"The way Saini travels and campaigns for the BJP in Punjab, it is like running with the hare and hunting with the hounds," Warring said, highlighting the conflicting interests of Haryana and Punjab. He argued that Saini cannot remain loyal to both states simultaneously. Taking a dig at a BJP rally in Dhuri, Warring claimed that Saini addressed empty chairs. "Saini's plight is like that of a frequent guest who soon becomes unwanted and is always unwelcome," he remarked, referring to Saini's repeated visits to Punjab.
Key Issues Between Punjab and Haryana
Warring emphasized that Punjab has serious unresolved issues with Haryana. "Every right-thinking person would like to know Saini's position," he stated. "Will you give up your unjustified claims for extra water from Punjab and facilitate the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab, which has been denied for long?" Warring also demanded that Punjab BJP leaders clarify their stance on Saini. "Do you stand with the Haryana CM or Punjab?" he asked.
Warring's remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the two states over water sharing and territorial disputes. The SYL canal project, which aims to share river waters, has been a contentious issue for decades. Additionally, Punjab has long demanded the transfer of Chandigarh, which serves as the capital of both states, as well as the inclusion of Punjabi-speaking areas in Haryana.
The Congress leader's comments underscore the political friction between the ruling parties in the two states, with the BJP governing Haryana and the Congress in power in Punjab. Warring's challenge to Saini and the BJP reflects the deepening divide over regional interests.
