Constitution undermined, water weaponised: CM Nayab Saini hits out at Punjab Govt
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini launched a scathing attack on the Punjab Government on Wednesday, accusing it of defying the Constitution and weaponising water for political gain. His remarks came during a press interaction after offering prayers at the Nada Sahib gurdwara here.
“The land of Punjab, blessed by the Gurus, has always stood for harmony and welfare. But today, its government neither respects the Constitution nor the judiciary,” said Saini. He criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government for defying a high court verdict regarding water distribution between the two states.
CM cancels political programmes
In view of the escalating tension on the India-Pakistan border, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has cancelled his all political programmes till further orders. Sources said the CM was to preside over the Maharana Pratap Jayanti to be celebrated in Salwan village in Assandh constituency on Thursday. A book release programme, a rally and a number of other programmes over the weekend also stand cancelled.
Saini alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was fuelling conflict ahead of elections, saying, “When Punjab and Haryana were one, there was no discrimination. But today, the Mann government is manufacturing conflict for political mileage.”
He clarified that Haryana was not asking for more than its rightful share. “We are not asking for Punjab’s share of water, only Haryana’s. Water is a basic human need, and what is being withheld is our share for drinking purposes.”
Referring to the recent high court ruling, Saini expressed gratitude to the judiciary for hearing both sides and delivering a “balanced and detailed judgment.” He accused the Punjab Government of contempt by refusing to implement the verdict. “Locking dams and staging protests is not just irresponsible; it’s a dangerous precedent and a threat to constitutional order,” he said.
Calling for responsible governance, Saini said, “Disregarding constitutional decisions has unfortunately become a habit for them. It is the duty of every office-bearer to protect the dignity of the judiciary.”
He also dismissed logistical concerns raised by Punjab, saying, “When water levels in the dam were lower, Haryana still received its share. What has changed now? Only the intent to use water as a political tool.”
Shifting focus to national security, the CM condemned recent terrorist attacks attributed to Pakistan. Praising the Indian Armed Forces and Operation Sindoor, he said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism is clear. The nation stands united with our soldiers.”
He criticised Mann for focusing on political theatrics even in a time of national crisis. “This is a time for unity. Instead, he is busy sowing division and politicising a humanitarian issue. That is both irresponsible and unpatriotic,” Saini said.
The CM reaffirmed Haryana’s full commitment to constitutional order. “Whatever the court decides, Haryana will accept and implement it unconditionally.”
Haryana Tribune