In a significant political development from Patiala, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday. Badal alleged that the AAP leader has succumbed to pressure from the central government and is actively laying the groundwork to release Punjab's precious river waters to Haryana through the contentious Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.
Allegations of Water Compromise and Political Persecution
Sukhbir Badal made these serious accusations while addressing the media in Patiala, following his visit to senior party leader Bikram Singh Majithia in Nabha jail. The SAD president claimed that Majithia remains in high spirits despite what he described as political persecution. Badal asserted that Majithia is being targeted solely because he raised his voice against the Aam Aadmi Party to protect the interests of Punjabis.
Defiant Stance Against Alleged False Cases
Emphasizing his party's resilience, Badal declared that the Shiromani Akali Dal is not intimidated by what he termed as false cases being registered against its leadership. In a bold political promise, he announced that the next SAD government, upon coming to power in 2027, would establish a special Commission to investigate all such cases thoroughly.
"Officers responsible for registering these false cases will be proceeded against as per law," Badal stated unequivocally, signaling a future legal reckoning for those involved in what he perceives as politically motivated actions against his party members.
Condemnation of CM Mann's Water Stance
The SAD president reserved his harshest criticism for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's approach to Punjab's river waters. Badal expressed shock at Mann's recent statements during a joint press conference with his Haryana counterpart, where the Punjab CM reportedly indicated willingness to proceed with the SYL canal once water allocation to Haryana is finalized.
"It is shocking that Bhagwant Mann virtually agreed to hand over our river waters to Haryana," Badal remarked, condemning what he described as a shameful compromise of Punjab's vital resources. He further criticized the chief minister for holding meetings that he believes are designed to facilitate the transfer of the state's waters to Haryana, calling such actions a betrayal of Punjab's interests.
Broader Political Implications
This confrontation highlights the ongoing political tensions in Punjab surrounding the sensitive SYL canal issue, which has been a flashpoint in interstate relations for decades. Badal's statements reflect the Shiromani Akali Dal's strategy to position itself as the primary defender of Punjab's water rights against what it portrays as capitulation by the ruling AAP government.
The allegations come at a time when water sharing remains one of the most contentious issues in northern Indian politics, with Punjab's political parties frequently using the SYL dispute to mobilize support and challenge opponents. Badal's vow to investigate alleged false cases against his party members adds another layer to this political confrontation, suggesting prolonged legal and political battles ahead.
