The Yamuna water-sharing agreement signed between Haryana and Rajasthan in New Delhi has ignited a political controversy, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led Haryana government of compromising the state’s water interests to benefit Rajasthan. The INLD, Congress, and AAP have all criticised the pact, announced on June 29, 2026.
Opposition parties announce protests
The INLD has convened a meeting on July 3 to plan statewide protests. INLD supremo Abhay Singh Chautala said the BJP government failed to secure Haryana’s rightful water share while agreeing to supply water to Rajasthan. “The Congress government signed the MoU with Rajasthan when its party was in power in Haryana, Rajasthan, and the Centre. Now, with the BJP in power in the two states as also in the Centre, Haryana has decided to go ahead with distributing water that is rightfully ours,” Chautala told The Tribune. He added that the three dams in the Upper Yamuna Basin—Renukaji, Lakhwar, and Kishau—should be constructed before water distribution is implemented.
Congress to raise issue in Assembly
Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the Congress opposes supplying water to Rajasthan when Haryana has yet to secure its share through the SYL canal. “We will raise the matter on all platforms and take it to the Vidhan Sabha. The government should explain how it has turned a blind eye to the state’s interests when it comes to the SYL and still goes the extra mile for Rajasthan,” Hooda stated.
AAP accuses BJP of electoral motives
AAP Haryana president Anurag Dhanda alleged that the BJP is prioritising electoral considerations in Rajasthan over Haryana’s interests. “CM Nayab Singh seems concerned about every state except Haryana. This time the monsoon is also expected to be less than normal. At such a time, why is giving water to Rajasthan a priority? The BJP is more concerned about the politics of Rajasthan than the farmers of Haryana,” Dhanda said.
Government defends agreement
Responding to the criticism, Chief Minister’s media secretary Parveen Attrey defended the agreement, calling it an implementation of a 1994 arrangement. “This is a Congress agreement from 1994 which we have implemented. Only the surplus rain water is being given to Rajasthan. There is no question of giving our share or compromising the state’s interests,” Attrey said.
