Chandigarh – Punjab politics has once again heated up over the issue of water rights and administrative control, following recent amendments to rules related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) appointments.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has launched a sharp attack on the central government, alleging that the changes are not merely administrative reforms but a “calculated move” to weaken Punjab’s rights over its water resources.
AAP leaders claimed that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Centre is attempting to expand its influence over every sector of Punjab. Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains described the BBMB rule amendments as a direct attack on India’s federal structure, expressing concern over the timing of the decision on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary.
Bains warned that water management in Punjab is closely linked to BBMB, and reducing the role of Punjabi officers could prove harmful for the state. He also argued that giving preference to outside officers may undermine local expertise and weaken Punjab’s control over its own resources.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal also criticized the Centre’s move, stating that changing long-established practices since 1974 could create imbalance and disputes. He added that earlier arrangements ensured representation from Punjab and Haryana, maintaining administrative balance.
AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu further alleged that key posts that were earlier reserved in Punjab’s interest have now been opened up nationwide, claiming that the BJP intends to exert control over Punjab’s water resources.
He also raised concerns about the deployment of central security forces at dams, saying it has already increased financial burden on the state, while Punjab Police has successfully handled such responsibilities for decades.
Pannu further alleged that the Centre is also attempting to control other key institutions and assets such as Punjab University and Chandigarh, calling it a serious threat to federal rights.
Amid the escalating political controversy, AAP has stated that it will strongly defend Punjab’s rights at every level and will not tolerate any interference in the state’s water resources.
The issue has now evolved beyond administrative changes into a major political confrontation over federal rights, with the potential to intensify further in the coming days.
