Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Stages Protest Over Water Sharing Dispute with BBMB, Accuses Centre and Haryana of “Stealing” State’s Water

In an emotional and defiant move, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann took a stand against what he describes as a coordinated attempt to “steal” the state’s water. On Thursday, Mann staged a sit-in protest at Nangal, a critical point of water distribution, as part of the ongoing battle between Punjab, Haryana, and the central government over water rights, particularly through the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The protest wasn’t just about water. It symbolized a deeper struggle — one that Punjab has been fighting for decades — the fight for its resources, autonomy, and the preservation of its rights against what Mann has termed “political manipulation” from the Centre and Haryana.

Water Theft Allegations

At the heart of Mann’s protest is a claim that the BBMB has been attempting to divert water from Punjab’s rivers — particularly the Sutlej and Beas — to Haryana, without proper consultation or agreement with the state government. In Mann’s words, BBMB’s chairman is “stealing” Punjab’s water, and the Chief Minister isn’t standing idly by.

ਭਾਖੜਾ ਬਿਆਸ ਮੈਨੇਜਮੈਂਟ ਬੋਰਡ ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਨੰਗਲ ਡੈਮ ਤੋਂ ਜ਼ਬਰਦਸਤੀ ਪਾਣੀ ਛੱਡਣ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ਬੇਹੱਦ ਗਲਤ ਹੈ। ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ‘ਤੇ ਡਾਕਾ ਅਸੀਂ ਬਿਲਕੁੱਲ ਬਰਦਾਸ਼ਤ ਨਹੀਂ ਕਰਾਂਗੇ।

ਪੰਜਾਬ ਕੋਲ ਹਰਿਆਣੇ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਣ ਲਈ ਇੱਕ ਵੀ ਬੂੰਦ ਵਾਧੂ ਪਾਣੀ ਨਹੀਂ ਹੈ। ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਜ਼ਿਆਦਾਤਰ ਦਰਿਆ ਸਰੋਤ ਸੁੱਕ ਚੁੱਕੇ ਹਨ, ਇਸ ਲਈ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੂੰ… pic.twitter.com/lN2HcKrzmc

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 8, 2025

Leading the protest himself, Mann emphasized that this isn’t just a local issue but a matter of state pride and survival. “If we can protect our borders from external threats, we can surely protect our water,” he declared, addressing the gathered crowd with a mix of determination and emotion.

Mann’s words weren’t just about water but a challenge to the BJP-led Union government, accusing them of playing “dirty politics” during a national crisis. The country, Mann said, is bracing for potential threats from Pakistan, and at a time like this, the Centre should be supporting Punjab, not trying to undermine it for political gain. He criticized the BJP for seeking political opportunities in what he called the “hour of crisis”, when the country needs unity more than ever.

A History of Struggle: Protecting Punjab’s Borders and Resources

This protest isn’t just about today. Mann took the opportunity to remind everyone that Punjab’s brave sacrifices in defending the 532-kilometer border with Pakistan have always been at the forefront of India’s national security. And yet, despite this service to the nation, he argued, the Centre continues to push policies that harm the state.

For Mann, the issue of water is as important as the fight against terrorism. He compared the state’s vigilance in safeguarding its borders to its vigilance in protecting its natural resources, arguing that just as Punjabis respond to threats from Pakistan, they are ready to respond to internal threats that seek to deprive the state of its rightful share of water.

The Water War: An Unconstitutional Attempt

Mann was especially vocal about the way the BBMB is functioning. He criticized the management board for its alleged unilateral actions, such as holding meetings at late hours, pressuring Punjab to give up its water, and using Punjab’s own resources to fight legal battles against it.

The Chief Minister labeled the BBMB as a “white elephant,” one that is politically controlled by the Centre, and demanded its restructuring to ensure that Punjab’s interests are safeguarded. He called for a complete overhaul of the board, stating that the way it functions is unconstitutional and illegal.

Vigilance Pays Off: Temporary Success in Stopping Water Theft

On this occasion, Mann proudly stated that Punjab’s vigilance had successfully prevented the illegal diversion of water by Haryana and BBMB for the time being. The state government, he said, had kept a watchful eye, ensuring that Punjab’s rightful share of water was not taken away.

However, Mann was quick to add that this battle was far from over. Legal action was imminent, with the state preparing to challenge the recent High Court decision on water sharing in the Supreme Court. The fight for Punjab’s water, he emphasized, would be fought on both political and legal fronts, ensuring that the state’s interests were never compromised.

BJP’s Alleged Political Maneuvering: Playing Politics in a Crisis

Mann’s criticism wasn’t just aimed at Haryana but also at the BJP-led Union government, which he accused of using the crisis to advance its own political agenda. “In the name of ‘fighting the enemy’,” he said, “the BJP is playing petty politics with Punjab. It’s shameful that while we stand guard at our borders, they’re trying to harm us from within.”

ਜੰਗ ਦੇ ਹਾਲਾਤਾਂ ‘ਚ ਸਰਹੱਦੀ ਸੂਬਾ ਹੋਣ ਦੇ ਨਾਤੇ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਸੁਖਾਲਾ ਕਰਨ ਦੀ ਬਜਾਏ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਸਾਡੇ ਲਈ ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਸੰਕਟ ਪੈਦਾ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਕਾਰਨ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਦੋਹਰੀ ਮਾਰ ਝੱਲਣੀ ਪੈ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ। ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਨੇ ਬਦਲਾਖੋਰੀ ਨੀਤੀ ਤਹਿਤ ਹਮੇਸ਼ਾ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਫੈਸਲੇ ਲਏ ਨੇ।
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जंग जैसे हालातों में सरहदी राज्य होने के नाते हमें राहत… pic.twitter.com/S3q2jJFsL3

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 8, 2025

The Chief Minister’s remarks painted a picture of Punjab fighting on two fronts: one against external threats and the other against a government that seems intent on undermining Punjab’s rights at every turn.

What Lies Ahead?

Looking forward, Mann made it clear that Punjab will not back down. Despite the difficulties, the state remains firm in its resolve to fight for its water and its rightful place in the country’s political landscape.

ਇੱਕ ਪਾਸੇ ਦੇਸ਼ ‘ਚ ਜੰਗ ਦਾ ਮਾਹੌਲ ਬਣਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ, ਦੂਜੇ ਪਾਸੇ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਫੈਸਲੇ ਲੈ ਕੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ‘ਤੇ ਡਾਕਾ ਮਾਰਨ ਦੀ ਕੋਸ਼ਿਸ਼ ‘ਚ ਲੱਗੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ। ਅਸੀਂ ਬਾਰਡਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਵੀ ਕਰਨ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹਾਂ ਤੇ ਆਪਣੇ ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਰਾਖੀ ਵੀ ਕਰਨ ਜਾਣਦੇ ਹਾਂ।
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एक तरफ देश में जंग का माहौल बना हुआ है, तो दूसरी तरफ… pic.twitter.com/k7pGNKkfjE

— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 8, 2025

He reiterated that Punjab’s fight isn’t just about water—it’s about dignity. For the Chief Minister, this struggle represents Punjab’s refusal to be bullied or exploited, whether by its neighbors or by its own government. “We have fought for our land, our people, and our borders. We will fight for our water too,” he concluded, a sentiment that echoed through the gathering.

Conclusion

Bhagwant Mann’s sit-in protest at Nangal wasn’t just a stand against water diversion; it was a call to action for every Punjabi to stand up and fight for what’s rightfully theirs. Whether the legal battle will end in victory or defeat is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear: Punjab will not let its resources be taken without a fight.

The struggle for water, much like the struggle for freedom and justice, continues — with Punjabis standing firm, ready to defend their land, their rights, and their future.