Ludhiana, June 14 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini was met with strong public opposition during his visit to Ludhiana to campaign for BJP’s candidate ahead of the Ludhiana West by-election, scheduled for June 19.

Aggrieved citizens, frustrated over what they termed as "Haryana’s historical exploitation of Punjab’s water resources", confronted the CM’s convoy, waving black flags and raising slogans of “Punjab De Paania de Chor Murdabad”.

The protests saw hundreds of participants voicing anger among Punjabis over the decades-long issue of water-sharing. Protesters accused Haryana and BJP leaders of what they termed as "trying to loot Punjab's water".

Protesters said that the Haryana government was unfairly using Punjab’s share of water, leaving Punjab’s agricultural sector struggling.

This discontent stems from Haryana’s alleged misuse of Punjab’s rightful water allocation from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

According to the AAP-led Punjab regime, "while previous Punjab governments remained silent on this issue, the Mann government has taken steps to ensure that Punjab’s rightful share is not compromised". "The Mann government’s decisive steps to expand the reach of canal water for irrigation and improve water management in Punjab have further highlighted the necessity for Punjab to secure its full quota of water from BBMB".

The AAP-led government said it has promised to protect Punjab’s water and ensure its optimal utilization for the benefit of the state’s farmers and citizens.

As the Ludhiana West by-election approaches, water rights remains a defining issue, with voters keenly observing which political parties will stand with Punjab in its fight for its rights.

UNI GS RN