Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre: "BBMB Trying to Loot Punjab's Water on BJP's Directions"

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the Centre and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), accusing them of conspiring to illegally divert Punjab’s water under the directions of the BJP-led central government.

In a strongly worded tweet, Mann said,

ਕੇਂਦਰ ਦੀ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਇਸ਼ਾਰਿਆਂ 'ਤੇ BBMB ਆਪਣੀਆਂ ਗੰਦੀਆਂ ਹਰਕਤਾਂ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਜ਼ ਨਹੀਂ ਆ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ। ਜਿੱਥੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਆਪਣੀ ਸਰਹੱਦ 'ਤੇ ਮੁਸਤੈਦੀ ਨਾਲ ਪਾਕਿਸਤਾਨ ਦੇ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਡਟਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ, ਉੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਬੈਠੀ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ BBMB ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਇੱਕ ਵਾਰ ਫਿਰ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਪਾਣੀ 'ਤੇ ਡਾਕਾ ਮਾਰਨ ਜਾ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਮੈਂ…

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 11, 2025

“BBMB is not backing down from its dirty tactics at the behest of the BJP government in the Centre. While Punjab stands firm at its borders against Pakistan, the BJP government is plotting through BBMB officials to once again loot Punjab’s water. I will not let this happen under any circumstances.”

Mann also announced that he would soon reach Nangal to personally intervene and prevent what he termed a “conspiracy” against Punjab’s water rights.

Tensions Rise Over Water Sharing and Federal Allegiances

This latest row comes amid heightened political friction between the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government and the BJP-ruled Centre, especially around river water sharing and jurisdiction over BBMB. The Punjab government has consistently accused BBMB of bypassing state consultation in key decisions impacting water flow and usage.

Mann’s remarks reflect deepening concerns in Punjab over what they see as repeated attempts to undermine the state's control over its own natural resources.