Saini optimistic on SYL issue, Hooda seeks contempt plea against Centre

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today expressed optimism over resolving the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, saying that Punjab and Haryana are like brothers and he hoped for a positive outcome from the ongoing talks.

The latest round of discussions between the Chief Ministers of Punjab and Haryana took place in Delhi today, chaired by Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil.

“Punjab and Haryana are like brothers, and even today, they share a common space with mutual respect and harmony. The upcoming discussions are expected to lead to a better solution and yield positive results,” said Saini.

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, however, criticised the BJP governments both at the Centre and the state for what he called deliberate inaction despite a clear Supreme Court verdict in Haryana’s favour.

“The BJP government should now move beyond these rounds of meetings. The Supreme Court had entrusted the responsibility of ensuring Haryana received its rightful share of water to the Centre. Since both the state and the Centre have BJP governments, Haryana should have already received its share,” Hooda said.

He said, “Due to the BJP’s anti-Haryana stance, this has not been accomplished. If the government is serious, it should file a case for contempt of court.”

Switching focus to the issue of BPL (Below Poverty Line) ration cards, Hooda alleged that the BJP had manipulated the issuance of cards to influence elections, and was now arbitrarily cancelling genuine cards.

“During elections, BPL cards were fraudulently issued in haste to entice voters. Now, the cards of genuinely eligible people are being cancelled. The Election Commission must take cognisance and initiate action,” he demanded.

Citing figures, Hooda pointed said: “In January 2022, Haryana had 27 lakh BPL cards holders and by February 2024, that number rose to 45 lakh. Just before Assembly elections, the number reached 51.09 lakh. Between July and October alone, 4.84 lakh new BPL cards were issued. In just three months, 6,36,136 BPL cards were cancelled, removing an estimated 25.44 lakh people (based on average family size of four) from the BPL list.”

“The BJP government is not eradicating poverty — they are erasing the poor themselves. This method of reducing poverty cannot be justified under any circumstances,” Hooda said.

Haryana Tribune