Chandigarh, May 8 (UNI) In a strong response to the stance taken by the Punjab government on the ongoing water dispute, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today said that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab neither respects the Constitution nor the country’s constitutional institutions.
He added that the Punjab government has disregarded the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court regarding the water issue, which he termed as unfortunate.
He said that Punjab, the land of the Gurus, has always spread the message of harmony and welfare. When Punjab and Haryana were one, there was no discrimination. But today, the Mann government is creating unnecessary conflict for political gain. We are not demanding Punjab’s share of water, we are merely asking for Haryana’s share of drinking water, he added.
While thanking the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Saini said that the court has delivered its decision after carefully considering and hearing both parties.
Taking a dig at the Chief Minister of Punjab, he remarked that refusing to accept the High Court’s verdict amounts to an insult to the constitutional bench. “Disregarding constitutional decisions has unfortunately become a habit for them,” he added.
He said that the Constitution is supreme and it is the duty of persons like us holding constitutional offices to uphold and respect the authority of the judiciary. Defying the court’s order, locking the dam, and staging a protest is not only improper but also sets a wrong precedent.
He further stated that the people of Haryana are facing a serious drinking water crisis. He said that water is essential for life. Yet, the Punjab Chief Minister is withholding it for political mileage. When the dam water levels were lower than today, Haryana still received its rightful share. What has changed now. This is nothing but politics over water.
Saini said the Mann government must accept the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He
urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to refrain from politicising the issue of water. There are numerous other matters to engage in political debate, please do not politicise Haryana’s rightful share of water, he said.
UNI GS RN