Chandigarh, May 5: The State President of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora launched a scathing attack at BJP led Centre and Haryana Government. He accused them of “putting a knee on Punjab’s neck” and looting its rightful share of water for decades. Aman Arora exposed the historical injustices faced by Punjab over its water rights. This was during the Special Punjab Vidhan Session on Monday.

Arora Slams Repeated Deprivation of Punjab’s Water Resources Since 1955″

Addressing the house,   Aman Arora recounted how Punjab has been systematically deprived of its water resources since 1955. Later in 1960 with the Indus Water Treaty, which diverted 80% of Punjab’s river waters to Pakistan. He also highlighted how subsequent agreements—like the Punjab Reorganization Act (1966), the Tripartite Agreement (1981), and arbitrary assessments—further robbed Punjab of its rightful share. Punjab has been betrayed repeatedly—whether it was Congress or BJP government at the Centre. They have always treated Punjab as a milking cow, taking our water and grain but giving nothing in return,   Aman Arora said.

“Punjab’s Water Rights Violated by Non-Riparian States, Arora Slams SAD for Weakening Stand”

He pointed out that Punjab is a riparian state. Despite this, non-riparian states like Haryana and Rajasthan were unlawfully given Punjab’s water. This violates international riparian laws.In 1955, the authorities assessed Punjab’s water at 15.85 MAF, but by 1981, they artificially raised it to 17.17 MAF to justify providing more water to Haryana and Rajasthan. Aman Arora also slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal for its role in weakening Punjab’s stand. He recalled that on July 4, 1978, the Badal-led government had demanded Rs 3 crore. This was for the construction of the SYL canal. They knew it was against Punjab’s rights. On March 31, 1979, SAD government happily received Rs 1 crore sent by Haryana for the construction of SYL. They signed Punjab’s death warrant. Later, they accepted the Tripartite Agreement in March 1981. This was under pressure from Congress-led Governments in Centre, Rajasthan, and Haryana, he added.

“Arora Supports CM Mann’s Stance, Demands End to Unjust Water Agreements”

Praising Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann’s firm stance against releasing additional water to Haryana, Mr. Aman Arora said, “Punjab has no extra water to give. We will not bow down to pressure from Delhi or Haryana.” He urged all political parties to come united, warning that Punjab’s survival is at stake. Calling for a long-term solution, Mr. Aman Arora demanded the cancellation of all unjust water-sharing agreements and strict adherence to riparian principles.”If Rajasthan can deny Narmada waters for not being a basin state, why does Punjab have to give its waters?” Punjab should not have to provide water to non-riparian states,” he questioned. Aman Arora stated, “Punjab feeds the nation, but it leaves its own children parched.”Enough is enough—we will not let this betrayal continue.” He urged all the political parties to stand united. The unity of Punjab will ensure that it actively makes its voice heard loud and clear at the central level.