Fri May 02 11:52:01 UTC 2025: ## Punjab and Haryana Locked in Bitter Water Dispute
**Chandigarh, May 2, 2025** – Tensions are escalating between Punjab and Haryana over water sharing, leading to a united front from Punjab’s political parties. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, refusing to release more water to BJP-ruled Haryana, convened an all-party meeting Friday that condemned the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) decision to allocate 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stated that the state has already provided 4,000 cusecs to Haryana on humanitarian grounds and that the BBMB’s action bypassed Punjab. He further criticized the overnight changes made to some BBMB officials. A special Vidhan Sabha session is planned for Monday to address the issue, with potential meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be considered.
Representatives from AAP, Congress, BJP, SAD, CPM, and BSP participated in the meeting, unanimously supporting Punjab’s position. While BJP state president Sunil Jakhar expressed a preference for resolving the matter through dialogue, he affirmed the BJP’s support for Punjab’s interests, acknowledging the state’s limited water resources. He also suggested de-escalation, considering recent tensions between India and Pakistan.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini accused Punjab of playing politics, highlighting the importance of the water for drinking purposes and urging a resolution in the spirit of national unity. The situation remains tense, with Punjab having taken measures to control water distribution at the Nangal dam.
First Piper 