Media Network – Chandigarh

Chandigarh, May 2: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Friday cautioned Punjab leaders against politicizing the river water dispute, stating that such actions could lead to water flowing wastefully into Pakistan.

Speaking to the media after attending the quality assurance conclave in Panchkula, Saini said, “Punjab is the land of the Gurus. We bow to them. Haryana was once a part of Punjab, and such petty politics helps no one.”

He assured that Haryana would help Punjab in times of drinking water crisis. “We’ll install tubewells and provide water from our groundwater if needed. No one in Punjab will remain thirsty,” he said.

Saini clarified that Haryana was only demanding its rightful share of river water as per past records and the Supreme Court’s ruling, including the SYL canal water. “We’re not asking for more—just what has always been ours,” he added.

His remarks came in response to Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s all-party meeting, where leaders across party lines strongly opposed the Bhakra Beas Management Board’s move to supply water to Haryana. Punjab parties claimed Mann’s initiative aimed to unite political forces to defend the state’s rights.

While Punjab leaders lauded Mann’s humanitarian decision to give Haryana 4,000 cusecs of water daily for drinking, they accused the Haryana government and BBMB of adopting a ‘hostile and anti-Punjab’ approach.

Saini, however, maintained that continued politicization would only harm both states and benefit Pakistan, which he accused of continuing to shed Indian blood.