Chandigarh, July 11: Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora launched a scathing attack on previous regimes. He accused them of undermining the interests of the state. Aman Arora said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government would fight tooth and nails to protect interests of Punjab.

He was addressing the house on an official resolution moved by Water Resources Minister in Punjab Vidhan Sabha against the deployment of CISF at BBMB installations in the state.

Aman Arora Slams Congress, Centre Over Punjab’s Water Rights

Aman Arora said that Punjab is an agrarian state and its life revolves around farmers, their fields and water. He criticised previous governments for their short-sightedness. They overly prioritised electoral gains over long-term planning. He noted agriculture’s significant contribution to Punjab’s economy. Around 70% of the state’s population depends on it.

“The people of Punjab are well aware of the history during the Congress regime under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At that time, Congress ruled Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal construction commenced from Kapuri. Punjab knows who challenged it in the Court. It is also aware of how it was later withdrawn during the same Congress regime,” said Mr. Aman Arora while adding that this is a very emotional issue for every Punjabi. The BJP led Centre Government tried to unilaterally change the BBMB selection committee. Historically, it included Member (Power) from Punjab. It also included Member (Irrigation) from Haryana. Punjab bears 60% of the expenses of the BBMB project. Despite this, the centre overlooked the interests and rights of the state.

fight tooth & nails ; “AAP Slams Congress Over CISF, BSF Decisions in Punjab : Aman Arora

He also highlighted that the Congress regime expanded the BSF’s jurisdiction.” In June 2018, then Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh wrote a letter to the central government. He suggested that the security of Punjab’s jails should be handed over to the CISF. This implied that the Punjab Police was not competent. This raises questions about the consistency of their stance on the state’s autonomy and security matters. He also noted that three out of the four partner states in BBMB had given consent for the deployment of central forces during the Congress party’s term.

Aman Arora strongly supported the resolution and reaffirmed that the AAP-led Punjab Government will protect the state’s interests and rights, ensuring that Punjab’s rights remain uncompromised.”

Punjab Police is competent to protect all the installations of BBMB, Mr. Arora said while dismissing the need for CISF deployment. He emphasised the state’s capability to manage its own security affairs.