Chautala tells PM to complete SYL

The canal is supposed to carry Haryana’s share of Ravi and Beas water to the state. But Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reiterated on Tuesday that his state ‘‘can not even spare a single drop of water without leaving some if its areas dry’’. Punjab has filed a petition in the apex court seeking ‘‘exception from implementation of the court’s order’’.

Though Punjab has a weak case, political analysts feel it would not be easy for the Centre to intervene in a state that is ruled by the Opposition. Chautala, too, failed to display his promised ‘‘political unanimity’’ on the issue. Opposition leaders from Congress and Haryana Vikas Party (HVP) refused to show up with Chautala for his meeting with the PM after skipping an all-party meeting convened by the CM on the issue. Only the INLD, BJP and the BSP, along with some Independents attended the meet.

Bhajan Lal, leader of Pradesh Congress, told The Indian Express that he had refused an invitation from Chautala. ‘‘Congress is strong enough to stage its own protests and project the interests of Haryana’s people.’’

Bhajan Lal, who claims to be getting ready for his meeting with the PM tomorrow on the issue, alleged that ‘‘Chautala has no framework for getting waters from Punjab’’. HVP leader Bansi Lal was in New Delhi but did not accompany Chautala.