Khattar hopeful of SYL breakthrough ahead of Punjab-Haryana CMs’ meet

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday expressed hope that the long-pending Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute could move towards a resolution through dialogue between Haryana and Punjab.

Reacting to the proposed meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on January 27, Khattar said discussions could help resolve the issue before the next Supreme Court hearing scheduled for April. He was speaking to mediapersons at the PWD Rest House here.

The meeting has been convened following a letter from Union Jal Shakti Minister urging both states to hold bilateral talks. “I am hopeful that a solution will emerge, so that the Supreme Court can be informed accordingly,” Khattar said.

Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s organisational training programme for district presidents in Kurukshetra, Khattar said the initiative appeared “well thought out.” He added that the Congress was now adopting the working style of the BJP, with even its leaders acknowledging the importance of strong organisational structure.

On the BJP getting a new national president, Khattar said the party has consciously promoted youth leadership, producing several chief ministers and senior leaders. Praising the new president, he said the leader was a “dedicated worker” who had performed well as an MLA and minister. Stressing the importance of capacity-building, Khattar said training was essential for everyone and should not be criticised.

Asked about the controversy involving Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Khattar said he did not have complete information. “Local people know who was at fault and who insulted whom,” he said.

Extending birthday greetings to CM Nayab Singh Saini, Khattar described him as a hardworking and dynamic leader, adding that his popularity was growing beyond Haryana. He said people in Punjab were also inviting Saini to programmes.

On the Union Budget to be presented on February 1, Khattar said it would benefit the entire country and every state. He expressed confidence that Haryana would receive its due share but said it would be inappropriate to comment ahead of the announcement.

On infrastructure, Khattar said the Railways would conduct a survey to install lifts at Karnal railway station for the convenience of passengers, especially senior citizens. He also announced that the Rapid Train project between Delhi and Karnal has been finalised and is likely to receive Cabinet approval soon.

Later, Khattar visited Kohand village in his constituency and interacted with residents at the Gram Chaupal under the Viksit Bharat, Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB–G RAM G) Bill, 2025, calling it a historic step towards employment generation and rural self-reliance.