Chandigarh, June 16 ; The recent statement by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, opposing the BJP-led central government’s proposal to divert surplus water—resulting from the termination of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan—to northern states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana, is deeply insensitive. It is an outright insult to Punjab. Punjab has selflessly played a pivotal role in ensuring India’s food security. It has made immense contributions to wheat and rice production, said Vineet Joshi, State Media Head of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Punjab.

 Punjab Used Its Groundwater to Ensure the Nation’s Food Security

Joshi emphasized that Punjab is not merely a state—it is the backbone of India’s food security. During the Green Revolution, Punjab was instrumental in securing the nation’s food supply, especially through its unparalleled wheat and rice output. Rice, in particular, is a water-intensive crop, and for the sake of national food security, Punjab sacrificed both its river water and groundwater to ensure ample rice production for the rest of India. The abundance of rice and wheat in FCI godowns today is a direct result of Punjab’s unmatched sacrifices—sacrifices made at the cost of depleting its water resources. Let this be clear: the water Punjab seeks is not a luxury—it is a necessity to sustain national food security. Today, Punjab’s people face an existential crisis due to rapidly declining water tables. Yet, remarks like Omar Abdullah’s are not only divisive but also disgraceful. Joshi concluded by stating that to secure Punjab’s rightful share of water, the state will first appeal to neighboring states, followed by exploring options provided by the Constitution of India.  If ignored, the Punjab BJP will have no choice but to launch a democratic yet resolute protest to demand its fair and essential water rights. Punjab used its groundwater to ensure the nation’s food security — now the nation must not deny Punjab.