Bhagwant Mann Joins Protest at Nangal, Warns Centre Not to Undermine Punjab’s Water Rights
In a strong message to the Centre and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann joined demonstrators at Nangal Dam on 20 MAY 2025 to protest what he termed as an “unlawful and unjust” attempt to release water to Haryana without Punjab’s consent.
Addressing the protestors gathered to oppose BBMB’s controversial decision, Mann said, “Punjab ke paani par haq Punjabiyon ka tha, hai aur hamesha rahega (Punjab’s right over its water has always existed and will always remain).” He accused the BBMB of acting on the BJP-led central government’s directions and warned of serious consequences if Punjab’s rights were violated.
ਅੱਜ ਨੰਗਲ ਵਿਖੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ਦੇ ਹੱਕ ‘ਚ BBMB ਦੇ ਖ਼ਿਲਾਫ਼ ਧਰਨੇ ‘ਤੇ ਬੈਠੇ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਮੁਲਾਕਾਤ ਕੀਤੀ। ਪਾਣੀਆਂ ਦੀ ਲੜਾਈ ਦੀ ਇਸ ਜਿੱਤ ‘ਚ ਆਪਣਾ ਯੋਗਦਾਨ ਪਾਉਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਪੰਜਾਬੀਆਂ ਦਾ ਧੰਨਵਾਦ ਕੀਤਾ।
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੇ ਸੰਘਰਸ਼ੀ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਨੇ ਕੇਂਦਰ ਦੀ ਬੀਜੇਪੀ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਇਸ਼ਾਰਿਆਂ ‘ਤੇ BBMB ਦੇ ਅਧਿਕਾਰੀਆਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਨੰਗਲ ਡੈਮ ਤੋਂ… pic.twitter.com/O0kkbv9PK4
— Bhagwant Mann (@BhagwantMann) May 21, 2025
The Chief Minister praised the people of Punjab for thwarting repeated attempts by BBMB to release water forcibly. “Every time they tried, our people stood firm,” he said, adding that the Centre must not mistake Punjab’s patience for weakness.
We Will Not Be Silent Spectators”
The Chief Minister praised the people of Punjab for resisting what he called repeated, unlawful efforts by BBMB officials to release water forcibly. “Every time they tried, our people stood firm. This is not just a protest — it’s a movement to protect our lifeline,” Mann said.
He issued a stern warning to the Centre: “Do not mistake our patience for weakness. Punjab will not tolerate forced decisions that impact its resources and livelihood.”
“No Surplus Water to Spare”
Mann reiterated that Punjab is already facing water scarcity and is barely able to meet the demands of agriculture and domestic use. “We are not sitting on surplus water. Every drop counts. We cannot give away what we don’t have,” he stated, pushing back against the perception that Punjab is withholding water from neighbouring states.
Condemns BBMB’s Actions as Unconstitutional
Calling BBMB’s recent move to release water without state approval “illegal and arbitrary,” Mann argued that such decisions violate the federal structure of India. “You cannot bypass an elected state government. Resources like water are shared, but consent and legal procedure must be followed,” he said.
He also warned of potential unrest if such actions continue. “Let this be clear — if law and order is disturbed due to Centre-backed coercion, responsibility will lie with those who initiated this provocation,” he asserted.
Support and Opposition
While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its supporters hailed the Chief Minister’s actions as a bold defense of Punjab’s rights, opposition parties criticized the move, accusing him of politicizing the issue. However, several regional leaders, cutting across party lines, echoed Mann’s stance that Punjab’s water rights must be respected.
The Road Ahead
With protests growing and legal options being explored, tensions between Punjab and Haryana over water-sharing agreements remain high. Mann’s message to the Centre was clear: Punjab will protect its rivers and reservoirs through legal, political, and public means — and will not back down.
As the issue gains national attention, the next steps from the Centre and BBMB will determine whether this standoff escalates or moves towards resolution.