CM Mann Slams Haryana, Rajasthan for ‘Unjust Demands’ in NZC Meet, Vows to Defend Punjab’s Resources

New Delhi, November 18- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly reiterated his commitment to safeguard the interests of Punjab and its people, declaring that he will not allow any injustice to harm the state. Speaking to the media after the Northern Zonal Council (NZC) meeting, the Chief Minister asserted his role as the “custodian of the rights of the state.“

NZC Meeting: Clash Over Resources

CM Mann disclosed that during the NZC meeting held on Monday, he had to strongly present Punjab’s case against what he called the “unjust demands” of neighbouring states. He specifically named Haryana, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, accusing them of “unduly seeking share in Punjab’s resources, capital, and river waters.“

Mann stated that the state government “unprecedentedly presented the case of the state,” managing to defer 11 agenda items that were specifically related to Punjab. He slammed the leadership of the opposing states for making “mock of the platform” with their demands.

Key Issues and Commitments

The Chief Minister categorically outlined Punjab’s firm stance on several contentious interstate issues:

• River Waters (SYL/YSL): Mann stressed that a real-time assessment of water availability is essential. He firmly stated that “Punjab has no spare water to share with any state.” He proposed that the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) issue could only be resolved through a Yamuna Satluj Link (YSL) to ensure the judicious use of Yamuna water. He also suggested linking the Chenab river with the Ravi and Beas to utilize surplus inflow for power and irrigation.

• Chandigarh and Capital Status: CM Mann forcefully demanded that Chandigarh be handed over to Punjab, citing clear commitments made in the 1970 Indira Gandhi Agreement and the 1985 Rajiv-Longowal Accord. He bemoaned that the non-transfer has “bruised the psyche of every Punjabi.”

• Panjab University (PU): He opposed any change to the status of Panjab University, insisting that it is Punjab’s university, which the state has supported and funded for 50 years. He questioned why Haryana seeks affiliation now, having withdrawn its colleges decades ago.

• BBMB and Headworks: Mann vehemently opposed the proposal to appoint a whole-time member in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) from Rajasthan, arguing it concerns only the successor states of Punjab and Haryana. He also opposed the transfer of control of the Ropar, Harike, and Ferozepur Headworks to BBMB, noting they are entirely within Punjab and essential for flood control.

• Chandigarh Administration Ratio: He pleaded for maintaining the established 60:40 ratio for intake of service personnel from Punjab and Haryana in Chandigarh’s administration, opposing the inclusion of outside cadres in key administrative positions.

Focus on Development and Flood Relief

The Chief Minister also noted Punjab’s massive contribution to the national food pool despite suffering nearly $\text{Rs. } 13,500$ crore in losses. He pressed the Government of India to release funds without condition for flood protection works on Border Outpost (BOP) areas, deeming it vital for national security.

CM Mann concluded by reiterating that the issues currently facing Punjab are “thorns sown by his predecessors—the Akalis, BJP and Congress,” and his government is working strenuously to resolve them.