Thu May 22 03:54:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led a “victory rally” celebrating the state’s perceived success in preventing Haryana and the central government from diverting Punjab’s water resources. Mann asserted that previous governments had betrayed Punjab by allowing water to be siphoned off via the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He vowed to raise the issue of BBMB’s reconstitution at an upcoming Niti Aayog meeting and advocated for reviewing water agreements every 25 years. Mann highlighted Punjab’s over-exploited water resources and argued that Haryana unfairly receives more water despite being smaller. A cabinet minister added that plans are in place to better utilize Punjab’s water for its own farmers and residents.

**News Article:**

**Punjab CM Mann Claims Victory in Water Dispute, Accuses Haryana of Unfair Demands**

**CHANDIGARH -** Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a “victory rally” in Nangal on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, proclaiming a win for Punjab in the ongoing water-sharing dispute with neighboring Haryana. Mann accused Haryana and the central government of attempting to unfairly divert Punjab’s water resources.

Addressing a crowd, Mann stated that Punjabis had demonstrated their ability to protect the state’s water, preventing Haryana and the Centre from taking “even a single drop” of Punjab’s share for twenty days. He criticized past governments, including Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, for allegedly betraying Punjab by allowing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to divert water to other states.

“Punjab is a landlocked border state which has already overexploited its only available natural resources to feed the country,” Mann stated, emphasizing the need to protect the state’s precious water supply.

Mann announced plans to raise the issue of reconstituting the BBMB at the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting on Saturday. He also advocated for a review of all water agreements every 25 years, citing frequent fluctuations in water levels. The Chief Minister asserted that Haryana, despite being smaller, receives more water than Punjab and is now demanding even more “at the cost of Punjab.”

Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains added that the government has developed ₹200 crore worth of plans to ensure that Punjab’s water is used efficiently for the benefit of its farmers and residents.

Read More