Chandigarh, April 14 Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over its notification concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), alleging that it amounts to an erosion of Punjab’s powers.
He also accused the state government of colluding with the Centre and failing to safeguard Punjab’s interests.
Reacting to the Central government notification regarding amendments to the BBMB, Majithia told IANS that the Centre was "taking away Punjab’s powers" and termed the move an "attack on the state’s rights". He asserted that crucial decisions related to Punjab — including those concerning its waters, capital, and institutions — should be taken by Punjabis themselves, as is the case in other states.
"As a person who lives in Punjab, I am completely against this move. When there is one law for the entire country, why is Punjab being interfered with again and again?" he questioned.
The SAD leader further alleged that the situation reflected a "collusion" between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Centre. He also accused Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, claiming that the latter had received a "clean chit" in the alleged liquor scam and that Punjab’s interests had been "surrendered" to secure it.
"Punjabis will not tolerate this. They have always stood up to defend their rights and will continue to do so," Majithia said, adding that the episode reflected a "complete failure" of both the Central and state governments.
Commenting on the proposed women’s reservation legislation, Majithia said that while the move appeared to be a positive development, it should be evaluated once the final draft is available.
"I am all for reservation. But what exactly is the proposal, what are they trying to do, and what is the intention? This must be discussed across party lines so that meaningful and constructive inputs can be incorporated," he said. He emphasised that women are equal partners in India’s growth and that any such policy must ensure tangible impact on the ground.
Majithia also weighed in on the controversy involving Punjab Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and AAP chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal over an alleged tractor-trolley dispute. He termed the developments an "admission of guilt" on their part.
"Initially, they were not accepting that they had taken the tractor trolley. Only after the matter came into the public domain did they pay the amount," he alleged.
He further accused the two leaders of attempting to shut down a factory to obtain the tractor trolley "free of cost", and demanded immediate legal action against them.
"A case should be registered without delay against both Hardeep Singh Mundian and Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal," Majithia said.
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