Punjab Ministers Stage Morcha at Nangal, Kiratpur Sahib to Defend State’s Water Rights
Harjot Singh Bains Leads the Charge as Cabinet Ministers Protest Centre’s Actions at BBMB
Chandigarh/Kiratpur Sahib/Nangal, May 14, 2025 — In a powerful show of unity and resolve, Punjab Cabinet Ministers led by Harjot Singh Bains staged simultaneous protests at Kiratpur Sahib and Nangal Dam, opposing what they allege are unconstitutional actions by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) under the influence of the Union Government.
The morcha (protest movement), aimed at defending Punjab’s water rights, received massive support from citizens, MLAs, and public figures. Ministers alleged that Punjab’s share of river waters is being systematically diverted, and vowed to resist any move that compromises the state’s access to its own natural resources.
“BBMB Acting as Centre’s Stooge”: Harjot Singh Bains
Speaking at Lohand Khadd, Kiratpur Sahib, Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains accused the BBMB of acting at the behest of the central government, especially during times of national emergencies when Punjab’s vigilance is compromised.
“Even during the India-Pakistan tension, while Punjabis were sitting on dharna to safeguard the dam, BBMB was trying to divert water to other states. This is a clear betrayal,” said Bains.
He emphasized that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has visited Nangal Dam four times, proving the government’s commitment to protecting Punjab’s water sovereignty.
Centre’s Interference in BBMB Under Fire
Lal Chand Kataruchak, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Centre is misusing its authority through BBMB to undermine Punjab’s constitutional rights.
He claimed that the BBMB, despite Punjab holding a 60% stake, routinely issues decisions detrimental to the state.
“Officers drawing salaries from Punjab are betraying the state’s interest. This cannot and will not be allowed,” he said.
Ministers Assert Punjab’s Right to Retain Water
At Nangal Dam, NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO joined the protest, asserting that Punjab doesn’t have surplus water to share.
“Punjab gave water to Haryana out of humanity. But now, when we ourselves are facing a shortage, how can we share what we don’t have?” said Goyal.
They criticized BBMB for making arbitrary decisions and warned that Punjab would no longer tolerate any move that weakens its control over water resources.
Key Points from the Protest
- Ministers protested simultaneously at Nangal and Kiratpur Sahib
- BBMB accused of bias against Punjab and acting under Centre’s pressure
- Punjab ministers assert 60% BBMB ownership, demand rightful say in decisions
- Call for constitutional safeguards and public vigilance to protect Punjab’s resources
Strong Political and Public Support
Alongside the ministers, several MLAs including Inderbir Singh Nijjar, Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, and Balveer Singh Pannu attended the protest. Key administrative figures like Jal Board Chairman Ranjit Singh Cheema and Ayurvedic University Chair Dr. Sanjeev Gautam also marked their presence.
According to the ministers, this united front is proof of Punjab’s political consensus on the water issue, often considered the state’s lifeline.
Government’s Stand: Water is Not Negotiable
The ministers reiterated that Punjab’s water is not for negotiation or political compromise. With no extra drop to spare, they warned against the implementation of outdated or unfair water-sharing agreements, such as the contentious Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal project.
The state government plans to escalate the matter both legally and politically to secure Punjab’s fair share of its river waters, and to prevent BBMB from making unilateral decisions.