SGPC President Condemns Centre's Decision on Bhakra Beas Management Board
In a strong statement issued on Wednesday, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) president Harjinder Singh Dhami voiced sharp objections to the Central government's move to terminate Punjab's permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Dhami, speaking from Amritsar, described this action as yet another grave injustice perpetrated against the state of Punjab and its people.
Allegations of Systematic Neglect
Dhami alleged that the Government of India has been consistently and deliberately ignoring the legitimate rights and critical interests of Punjab, with a particular focus on the Sikh community. He pointed to a pattern of neglect across multiple longstanding issues that have remained unresolved for decades.
Key concerns highlighted by Dhami include:
- The contentious matter of river water sharing between Punjab and neighboring states
- The unresolved status of Chandigarh as a shared capital
- The demarcation of Punjabi-speaking areas in regional boundaries
- Persistent challenges facing Punjab's agricultural sector and broader economy
Water Rights at the Center of Controversy
The SGPC president further intensified his criticism by alleging that the Centre is actively attempting to divert Punjab's river waters to other states through systematic rule changes. Dhami emphasized that Punjab holds the primary and historical claim over these water resources, making any diversionary tactics particularly egregious.
"This represents a direct assault on Punjab's fundamental rights," Dhami declared, referencing the stable administrative system that has governed the BBMB since its establishment in 1974. He expressed concern that the Centre now seeks to unilaterally alter these longstanding rules to enable discretionary appointments that could undermine Punjab's interests.
Call for Immediate Reversal
In his concluding remarks, Dhami issued a firm appeal to the Central government to immediately withdraw this controversial decision. He urged authorities to refrain from implementing any measures that would further erode Punjab's rights or compromise the state's historical claims and economic wellbeing.
The SGPC president's statement reflects growing tensions between Punjab and the Centre regarding resource management and administrative control, with the BBMB issue emerging as the latest flashpoint in this ongoing conflict.
