Chandigarh, May 8 – Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini today issued a strong response to the stance taken by the Punjab Government on the ongoing water dispute. He said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab neither respects the Constitution nor the country’s constitutional institutions. He added that the Punjab Government has disregarded the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the water issue, which he termed unfortunate.
Addressing media persons after offering prayers at the historic Nada Sahib Gurudwara in Panchkula, the Chief Minister said, “Today I have had the good fortune to bow my head at Nada Sahib Gurudwara and pray for the welfare of the country and the state.
He said that Punjab, the land of the Gurus, has always spread the message of harmony and welfare. When Punjab and Haryana were one, there was no discrimination. But today, the Mann government is creating unnecessary conflict for political gain. We are not demanding Punjab’s share of water, we are merely asking for Haryana’s share of drinking water, he added.
*Disregarding the High Court verdict is an insult to the constitutional bench*
While thanking the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the court has delivered its decision after carefully considering and hearing both parties. Taking a dig at the Chief Minister of Punjab, he remarked that refusing to accept the High Court’s verdict amounts to an insult to the constitutional bench. “Disregarding constitutional decisions has unfortunately become a habit for them,” he added.
He said that the Constitution is supreme and it is the duty of persons like us holding constitutional offices to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. Defying the court’s order, locking the dam, and staging a protest is not only improper but also sets a wrong precedent.
*Punjab CM withholding water for political gains*
He further stated that the people of Haryana are facing a serious drinking water crisis. He said that water is essential for life. Yet, the Punjab Chief Minister is withholding it for political mileage. When the dam water levels were lower than today, Haryana still received its rightful share. What has changed now. This is nothing but politics over water.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the Mann government must accept the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He urged Punjab Chief Minister Sh. Bhagwant Mann to refrain from politicizing the issue of water. There are numerous other matters to engage in political debate—please do not politicize Haryana’s rightful share of water, he said.
*Nation stands with Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism*
Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini strongly condemned the recent attacks by neighbouring country, describing the targeting of innocent civilians, including women and children, as deeply reprehensible. He commended the Indian Armed Forces for launching Operation Sindoor and delivering a strong and decisive response to terrorism. He staid that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism through firm foreign diplomacy. Today, the entire nation stands united with our armed forces in their resolute action. The country is firmly behind our soldiers in this critical fight against terrorism, he added.
*Unfortunate that Mann is politicizing even in times of national crisis*
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that even in the current sensitive circumstances facing the country, Sh. Mann continues to indulge in politics, which is deeply unfortunate. This is contempt of the High Court’s decision. The Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of all those in constitutional positions to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. He added that the Haryana Government has already apprised the Punjab and Haryana High Court of the present situation and assured that whatever decision the Court delivers, Haryana will fully accept and abide by it.
Media Secretary Sh. Praveen Attrey was also present on the occasion.
