BATHINDA, Punjab—AAP’s Member Parliament from Sangrur, Bhagwant Mann, clarified that AAP won’t let the SYL-Canal be completed at any cost. His statement came after Sukhbir Badal’s criticism of AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged anti-Punjab stance on SYL-Canal issue.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal had claimed that AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal had a double standard on SYL-Canal issue. Though Kejriwal claimed he did not support the SYL Canal construction, the Delhi government had backed Haryana’s arguments against The Punjab Termination of Agreements Act of 2004. The 2004 Act would stop the SYL canal from being constructed because it allow for the cancellation of any pact made with Punjab’s neighboring states, including the pact to construct the SYL canal. By backing Haryana’s arguments against this act, Badal claimed the Delhi government was indirectly supporting the construction of the SYL Canal, alleged Sukhbir Badal.
In village Sarawan Bodla of Lambi constituency, Bhagwant Mann said that Punjab did not have even a drop of water to spare. He stated that AAP wouldn’t let the SYL Canal be completed at any cost. He added that if any conflict arose regarding the canal in the future, AAP would make any sacrifice necessary to defend the natural resources of Punjab.
Several other AAP leaders have made similar promises. Sukhpal Khaira also backs Punjab’s rights over its waters and has stated that sharing of waters will lead to severe consequences for Punjab.
