Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP Over BBMB Water Decision, Warns of Strong Protest

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly opposed the decision to release Punjab’s water to Haryana through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it an “injustice” to the state and its people. In a sharp tweet, Mann accused the central and Haryana BJP governments of being “united against Punjab” and warned the BJP to prepare for public backlash.

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ਦਾ ਪਾਣੀ BBMB ਜ਼ਰੀਏ ਹਰਿਆਣੇ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਣ ਦੇ ਫ਼ੈਸਲੇ ਦਾ ਪੂਰਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸਖ਼ਤ ਵਿਰੋਧ ਕਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਕੇਂਦਰ ਤੇ ਹਰਿਆਣਾ ਦੀ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਇੱਕਜੁੱਟ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਹੈ। ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਦਾ ਸਾਡੇ ਹੱਕਾਂ ‘ਤੇ ਇੱਕ ਹੋਰ ਡਾਕਾ ਅਸੀਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਕੀਮਤ ‘ਤੇ ਬਰਦਾਸ਼ਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਾਂਗੇ। ਵਿਰੋਧ ਦਾ ਸਾਹਮਣਾ ਕਰਨ ਲਈ ਤਿਆਰ ਰਹੇ…

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 1, 2025

"Another Loot on Our Rights" – CM’s Strong Words

“The entire Punjab strongly opposes the decision to give away Punjab and Punjabis' rightful share of water to Haryana via BBMB. The BJP governments at the Centre and in Haryana have ganged up against Punjab. We will not tolerate this fresh looting of our rights at any cost,” Mann wrote.

He further stated that the BJP can never be a true ally to Punjab or its people and must be prepared to face intense opposition.

Escalating Water Disputes in Northern India

The decision, which has reignited the long-standing water sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, comes at a time when water scarcity and resource allocation are already sensitive topics across the region. The BBMB, a body responsible for managing water distribution from the Bhakra and Beas rivers, has often been at the center of inter-state tensions.

Political Battlelines Drawn Ahead of Elections?

Mann’s fiery statement is expected to further polarize the political atmosphere in Punjab, where regional pride and resource rights are dominant electoral issues. His Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has consistently positioned itself as a defender of Punjab’s rights, particularly in matters related to water and agriculture.