Chandigarh, May 8 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini intensified his criticism of the Punjab government on Thursday, accusing it of defying court orders and misusing authority in the ongoing water-sharing conflict tied to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
Speaking after a visit to the Nada Sahib Gurdwara, Saini raised concerns over what he described as the unlawful detention of the BBMB chairman by the Punjab administration.
“This is not just about water,” Saini said. “It’s about upholding the Constitution and respecting judicial institutions.”
He noted that Punjab’s refusal to comply with the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s order amounted to a direct insult to the constitutional bench.
“The court’s directive is clear, and any defiance reflects disregard for the rule of law,” he said, thanking the judiciary for its timely intervention. “We have submitted all relevant details to the court,” he added.
Calling on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to act within the framework of the law, Saini said, “We are not demanding Punjab’s water. We only ask for Haryana’s rightful share, especially for drinking purposes.”
He further raised that Haryana is facing mounting water shortages, and Punjab’s actions are worsening the crisis.
Saini also accused Mann of politicizing the issue. “The chief minister of Punjab is playing politics while people in Haryana are suffering due to a lack of water,” he stated.
He urged the Punjab government to immediately release Haryana’s allocated supply as directed by the court.
In addition to the water dispute, Saini praised the Indian Army’s continued fight against terrorism and reaffirmed his government’s support for national security efforts.
“We stand with our forces, and the country stands united in this mission,” he said.
The BBMB issue has reignited long-standing tensions between the two states, with Haryana alleging that Punjab is obstructing not only legal agreements but also basic humanitarian needs linked to water access.
