Haryana floods: Chautala urges PM to ‘rein in’ Punjab CM

Haryana Chief Minister Prakash Chautala today came knocking on the doors of the Prime Minister, accusing his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh of unleashing floods in Haryana.

Sources said Chautala, during his meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urged him to ‘‘rein in’’ Amarinder. ‘‘Haryana is facing a man-made calamity as Punjab government had deliberately caused breaches at seven places to inundate Haryana,’’ the Haryana CM, who was accompanied by MP and NCM chief Tarlochan Singh, said.

Chautala claimed the flood waters diverted by Punjab into Haryana had submerged 50 villages, Ambala city and Ambala Cantt besides causing extensive damage to livestock, crops and property. So far, four persons had died due to the floods while seven were reported missing, he said, adding: ‘‘This is an emergency situation’’.

He said Amarinder’s action posed a threat to the nation’s unity. ‘‘Amarinder is trying to create a buffer state by projecting himself as a local hero.’’