Ravneet Bittu meets PM Modi; discusses Punjab-Haryana water dispute   

Union minister of state for railways and food processing industries Ravneet Bittu met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening to discuss a range of issues concerning Punjab.

During the 40-minute meeting, discussions were held on the issue of water shortage for the border state, possibilities of Punjab gaining from the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, feasibility of constructing canal systems for Doaba and Majha regions and the upcoming Ludhiana West assembly by-election.

The PM is learnt to have asked Bittu about the landscape in Ludhiana West assembly where the BJP had secured maximum votes in the 2024 general election.

The BJP is yet to name its candidate and is waiting for the poll schedule to be announced.

In the midst of Punjab and Haryana’s conflict over the sharing of Bhakra waters, Bittu discussed whether waters of the western tributaries of the Indus can be diverted to Punjab.

“Since the Treaty has been suspended, the discussion centred on whether we can find ways to divert the excess waters to Punjab," said sources.

Bittu said that like Malwa, the Doaba and Majha regions should also be covered with a network of canal irrigation systems.

He requested the PM to relax the criteria for Punjab people for recruitment into the paramilitary forces.

The issue of Bandi Sikhs was also discussed, said a source.

In a social media post later, Bittu said, “Shared my joy over India’s recent victory over Pakistan and commended the PM’s exemplary leadership in handling tough situations with grace and determination. Discussed key initiatives for Punjab’s development, focusing on growth and prosperity for our state."

He said Prime Minister Modi also shared his thoughts on the current religious and political landscape in Punjab and the path ahead.

“During the meeting, I presented two books to the Prime Minister — ‘Guru Nanak’s Blessed Trail’ and ‘The Golden Temple’ — both symbolising the essence of Sikhism and the teachings of Guru Nanak," said Bittu.

Haryana Tribune