Punjab Unites Over Water Row: Bhagwant Mann Addresses Media Post All-Party Meeting in Chandigarh

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday asserted that the entire state stands united on the contentious water-sharing issue. Speaking to the media after an all-party meeting held in Chandigarh, he emphasized that Punjab's political and social fabric is aligned in protecting the state's water rights. 

ਪਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਦੇ 'ਤੇ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਇੱਕ ਜੁੱਟ ਹੈ।

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— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 2, 2025

“ਪਾਣੀ ਦੇ ਮੁੱਦੇ 'ਤੇ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਇੱਕ ਜੁੱਟ ਹੈ (Punjab is united on the water issue),” Mann reiterated in a live address, signalling strong cross-party consensus against the Centre's recent decisions involving the distribution of Punjab’s river water.

The all-party meeting was convened amid growing outrage over the decision to divert Punjab’s water to Haryana through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Mann’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has taken a firm stand, stating that Punjab cannot afford to give away a drop more given the state’s already depleting groundwater levels.

Political Unity and Statewide Sentiment

Leaders from various political parties participated in the meeting, showcasing an unusual moment of unity in Punjab politics. Mann called it a “historic stance,” where rival factions came together for a cause that transcends party lines — the survival and future of Punjab's agriculture and drinking water needs.

“The BJP government at the Centre and in Haryana must understand that Punjab will not tolerate this injustice,” Mann declared, warning of mass resistance if the decision is not rolled back.

The Chief Minister’s comments come amid increasing social media campaigns, protests by farmer groups, and statements of support from civil society.

Background

The controversy began after the BBMB’s recent decision to allocate a portion of Punjab’s water to Haryana — a move that Mann and other leaders have termed unconstitutional and against federal principles. The Punjab government has demanded that any decision involving inter-state river water must be taken with consensus and after examining the state’s current water crisis.

As the issue escalates, Mann’s call for unity appears to have resonated widely, with many political leaders and citizens echoing the sentiment that Punjab’s rights must be defended at all costs.