‘This is no time for political posturing’: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu to Bhagwant Mann over water sharing issue with Haryana

Bittu, the Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing, said on X, “When the nation stands united against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, CM Bhagwant Mann chooses to divide states over water. Not a single drop of Punjab’s water will be given away — but this is no time for political posturing”.

The BJP lawmaker, a Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan, said India is in mourning and stands united against the merciless killing of 26 people in Pehalgam in Jammu and Kashmir. “All political parties in one voice have condemned the terror attack, and want revenge from Pakistan. The nation’s priority at this time is to show unity and make a strong offensive against Pakistan. Unfortunately, Bhagwant Mann chose this time to divide the states and play petty politics over national interests,” he said.

Bittu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chiefs of armed forces were busy planning a strategy to counter Pakistan, but Bhagwant Mann supported the cause of the neighbouring country. “Mann is playing divisive politics without realising the mood of the country. It is a cowardly act”.

Demanding an apology from the Punjab CM, Bittu said the issue of the water dispute between Punjab and Haryana was not new. He said that Punjab has the right to its full share of river waters and nobody can snatch it. He said that holding inter-state meetings with the Bhakra Beas Management Board to discuss the flow of water, and the needs of the states is a routine matter and such meetings are held every year. “But raising this issue now is condemnable,” he said.

Reacting to Ravneet Singh Bittu’s statement, AAP’s state spokesperson and Anandpur Sahib MP Malwinder Singh Kang said Punjab has “already given Haryana all the water it was entitled to”.

“There is a shortage of water in Punjab itself. How can it be given to Haryana? You should advise the BJP-led Central government, which is conspiring to end Punjab’s representation in BBMB. As part of this conspiracy, efforts are also being made to give water to Haryana. You should advise the BJP chief minister of Haryana to use water properly. You care more about your chair than Punjab’s rights. As long as the Aam Aadmi Party is in power, no one can snatch Punjab’s rights.”