Punjab CM does not respect federal structure, claims INLD

Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leaders and workers in Ambala and Kurukshetra on Monday marked their protest against the Punjab Government over water crisis and accused Punjab Chief Minister of not respecting the federal structure.

In Ambala, led by INLD principal general secretary Prakash Bharti, district president Jagmal Singh Rolon and general secretary Sheeshpal Jandheri, the INLD workers and office-bearers handed over a memorandum to the City Magistrate, Ambala, addressed to the Prime Minister and the President of India.

On the occasion, Prakash Bharti said Punjab had no faith in the federal structure. There have been many agreements related to Haryana’s water share but Punjab has rejected all of them. The Supreme Court’s decisions on the SYL in 2002, 2004 and 2016 which came in favour of Haryana have also not been implemented till date.

“We also criticised the way the police was deployed on the Bhakra Dam and the Chief Minister and ministers went there to demonstrate that they would not give water to Haryana. We are standing with the Haryana Government, forgetting all differences, to protect the people of Haryana. But the Haryana Government should fight a strong battle for its people and take stern steps,” he added.

The INLD leader said, “Haryana’s share of Bhakra water should be given to the state so that the people of Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan get water. This is a political stunt of Bhagwant Mann and a ploy to please the people of Punjab. Because of the AAP’s defeat in Delhi and Haryana, Bhagwant Mann has created this propaganda to teach a lesson to the people of Delhi and Haryana. But we will fight for the rights of Haryana.”

Similarly, in Kurukshetra senior party leader Sher Singh Barshami addressed the party workers and submitted a memorandum for the Prime Minister and the President.

Sher Singh Barshami said the Punjab Government had stopped the water of Haryana and to mark our protest, the INLD was holding a demonstration. Even in the past, the INLD led a ‘Jal Yudh’ and the party will again lead a struggle for water. The INLD will ensure that the people of Haryana get their due share of water. All parties have extended support to the Haryana Government on the issue.