Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) general secretary Baltej Pannu on Thursday questioned the “deafening silence” of Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and BJP leaders after Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann claimed that Rajasthan owes Punjab Rs 1.44 lakh crore under the 1920 water agreement.He alleged, “For decades, parties that ruled Punjab compromised its rights, and today have no answers as the truth stands exposed before the people. Ever since the CM presented evidence-backed facts that, under the 1920 agreement, Rajasthan owes Punjab Rs 1.44 lakh crore in lieu of water received since 1960, why are leaders of Congress, Akali Dal, and BJP, who ruled for 70 years, silent on this matter? These parties have no answers to the questions being asked by the people.”Targeting BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar, he siad, “Jakhar Sahib, the same leaders who were once in Congress with you are now sitting with you in BJP. Why are you silent on those betrayals today? The people of Punjab understand the meaning of your silence very well.”He added that the same traditional parties that had pushed Punjab to the brink of barrenness have been countered by the AAP govt, which, he claimed, has revived the state within just four years. “Earlier, only 22% of canal water reached the fields; today, due to the Mann govt’s efforts, that figure has risen to 78%. Moreover, canals and distributaries buried by previous govts in collusion with the land mafia are now being revived. The restoration of the ‘Lambi Canal’ stands as a living example,” he said.MSID:: 129681232 413 |
