CM Bhagwant Mann Defends Punjab’s Stance on SYL Canal

CM Bhagwant Mann Defends Punjab's Stance on SYL Canal

VoM News Desk | October 11, 2023 | 11:31 PM IST | Breaking News, Politics, Punjab | Follow on Google News

CM Bhagwant Mann Defends Punjab’s Stance on SYL Canal

CM Bhagwant Mann Defends Punjab’s Stance on SYL Canal

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of Punjab has strongly defended his government’s position regarding the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue. He accused opposition leaders of indulging in theatrics to mislead the public on this contentious matter. The SYL canal issue has been a longstanding source of dispute between Punjab and neighboring states.

Allegations Against Ancestors

Mann criticized Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal, state Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, and Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly Partap Singh Bajwa. He alleged that their ancestors had played a role in constructing the canal, which he referred to as an “unpardonable crime” against Punjab. He urged the opposition leaders not to forget the actions of their forebears and not to shed “crocodile tears” over the SYL issue. He stated that the ancestors of these leaders had been responsible for the construction of the SYL canal.

Historical Involvement

Mann pointed out that leaders such as former Union minister late Balram Jakhar and former Congress leader Amarinder Singh (now with the BJP) were involved in the ground-breaking ceremony of the SYL canal. He also mentioned former Haryana Chief Minister Devi Lal, who had praised his Punjab counterpart Parkash Singh Badal for allowing a survey of the canal. Mann alleged that these leaders were “drenched in this crime” against the state and its people, emphasizing that history would not forget their actions.

Call for an Open Debate

Mann challenged the opposition party leaders to participate in an open debate on November 1 and bring with them documents of the settlements their parents had signed concerning the canal. He believed this would reveal how the state and its people had been “betrayed in the name of making sacrifices.”

Commitment to Protect Sutlej River

Mann assured the public that he is committed to safeguarding the Sutlej River and that the state has no water to spare with any other state. His government’s position on the SYL canal issue reflects its dedication to preserving Punjab’s water resources and interests.

VoM News Desk

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