SAD President Sukhbir Badal Condemns Bhagwant Mann's Bhai Kanhaiya Remarks in SYL Canal Controversy
In a sharp political confrontation, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of making a "twisted reference" to the revered Sikh figure Bhai Kanhaiya. This accusation stems from Mann's comments following a crucial meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday regarding the contentious Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue.
Context of the Controversial Remarks
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in his remarks, invoked the legacy of Bhai Kanhaiya, a devoted disciple of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh, known for his acts of compassion. Mann stated, "We are heirs of Bhai Kanhaiya ji who offered water even to the enemies. Haryana is not our enemy. Haryana is our brother." This statement was made in the context of ongoing discussions about water-sharing between Punjab and Haryana, a long-standing and highly sensitive issue in the region.
Sukhbir Badal's Outrage and Accusations
Responding swiftly on social media platform X, Sukhbir Badal expressed profound outrage, labeling Mann's reference as "sacrilegious" and "outrageous." In his post, Badal elaborated, "Bhagwant Mann's twisted reference to Bhai Ghanaiya ji to justify handing over Punjab's river waters to other states, especially Haryana, is unacceptable. Dasam Patshah blessed acts of compassion and charity but also taught us to fight for our just rights." He emphasized a critical distinction, noting that offering water as an act of charity, as Bhai Kanhaiya did, is fundamentally different from surrendering Punjab's vital river waters, which he described as the state's lifeline.
Demand for Apology and Historical Parallels
Badal went further, demanding that Mann apologize for distorting Sikh history. He asserted, "This is about Punjab's riparian rights, not charity." Drawing a historical parallel, Badal accused Mann of following in the footsteps of former Congress Chief Minister Darbara Singh, who, he claimed, surrendered before Indira Gandhi. In a firm declaration, Badal stated, "Shiromani Akali Dal will never allow this betrayal." He also highlighted the actions of the previous government led by Parkash Singh Badal, which, he said, permanently settled the SYL issue by denotifying the canal and returning the land to farmers and owners.
Broader Implications for Punjab-Haryana Relations
This heated exchange underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding the SYL canal, a project that has been a flashpoint in Punjab-Haryana relations for decades. The controversy revolves around the sharing of river waters, a resource critical to agriculture and livelihoods in both states. Badal's strong reaction reflects the SAD's staunch opposition to any perceived compromise on Punjab's water rights, framing it as a matter of historical and cultural significance beyond mere political or economic considerations.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over how historical and religious narratives are invoked in contemporary political discourse, particularly in sensitive regional disputes. As the SYL canal talks continue, this clash between SAD and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab is likely to intensify, with potential ramifications for inter-state diplomacy and domestic politics in the region.
