Dirty politics won’t quench thirst, Saini slams Punjab
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government of playing “dirty politics” over water-sharing amid a deepening dispute between the two states. Speaking at the Waqf Reform Public Awareness Campaign Conference in Panchkula, Saini invoked history, shared culture, and compassion to appeal for unity.
“Elections are approaching, and the people of Punjab are beginning to see through AAP’s brand of politics — it’s nothing but dirty politics,” said Saini, responding to the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s (BBMB) recent delay in releasing 4,000 cusecs of drinking water to Haryana.
Citing historical precedents, Saini reminded Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of Bhai Kanhaiya Ji, who served water to all wounded soldiers during war, regardless of sides. “Punjab is a sacred land blessed by Sikh Gurus. Drinking water is not a political commodity but a gift of nature for all humanity. In May and June, Punjab has historically released 9,000 cusecs of water due to peak demand. Stopping even drinking water is deeply irresponsible,” he said.
“Punjab humara bada bhai hai… humari rishtedari hai. If Punjab is facing scarcity, we will compromise and distribute it equally. That’s our culture,” Saini said, appealing for resolution through compassion and dialogue.
Saini also had strong words for the Punjab Government: “You still have around a year and a half left in your tenure. Focus on development. The people of Punjab trusted you — honour that trust. Ensure MSP for farmers and compensation for recent crop and livestock losses. Governance is not about theatrics; it’s about accountability.”
The water row escalated when the BBMB transferred Akashdeep Singh, Director (Water Regulation) of Bhakra Dam, and replaced him with Haryana cadre officer Sanjeev Kumar, prompting Punjab to heighten security at the Nangal dam.
In a separate address at the BJP’s Panchkula office, Saini hailed the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 as a milestone in transparency and empowerment. “Under Congress, Waqf properties were looted by land mafias and power brokers. This is not just legal reform — it’s a clean-up,” he said. He emphasised that the reforms would benefit widows, orphans, divorced women, and marginalised Muslim sects like the Bohra and Ahmadiyya. Slamming the Congress for ignoring caste realities, Saini praised the Modi government’s decision to conduct a caste-based Census. “While Congress manufactures confusion, Modi corrects history,” he said.
BJP state president Mohan Lal Badoli echoed the sentiment, calling the reforms a step toward dignity and justice for poor Muslim families.
Haryana Tribune