22 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has alleged that a return of the traditional opposition parties to power could put the state’s water rights and welfare schemes at risk, intensifying his political attack ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Mann made the remarks while addressing a Lok Milni programme in Sansra village in Ajnala on September 21. He linked the issue of water rights with the wider political contest in Punjab and accused rival parties of pursuing policies that, according to him, could harm the state’s interests.
Mann Raises Water-Sharing Concerns
A major focus of Mann’s speech was Punjab’s exclusion from recent discussions surrounding the Kishau Multipurpose Project.
Mann said six states and the national capital territory—Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi—signed an agreement on September 15 to advance the project, while Punjab was not included.
He questioned why Punjab was not part of discussions concerning water resources in the region and alleged that the BJP wanted to influence the distribution of Punjab’s water share without involving the state.
Kishau Project at the Centre of Debate
The Kishau Multipurpose Project envisages a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons River along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border.
According to the report, the proposed project would have a water-storage capacity of around 1,562 million cubic metres.
Mann used the project to argue that Punjab should have a voice in discussions involving regional water resources. His statements represent his political position on the issue.
Attack on BJP
Mann also alleged that the BJP would divert Punjab’s water share to Haryana and Rajasthan if it came to power.
He further claimed that the party was seeking changes concerning Chandigarh and Panjab University.
These claims were made by Mann during his political address and were not independently established by the reports.
Welfare Schemes Also Become a Political Issue
Mann connected the water debate with several welfare initiatives of his government.
He alleged that a future government led by traditional opposition parties could discontinue or weaken measures including free electricity, free bus travel for women and the ₹1,000 Samman Rashi.
He also alleged that Mohalla Clinics and government schools could be weakened in favour of private institutions.
Mann Highlights Government’s Water Initiatives
While defending his government’s record, Mann highlighted measures that he said had improved Punjab’s use of available water resources.
He cited an increase in canal-water utilisation from 22 per cent to 88 per cent, the laying of around 14,000 km of underground pipelines, and other initiatives in the water sector.
He also pointed to the acquisition of the private thermal power plant at Goindwal Sahib and developments in government schools.
Congress and SAD Targeted
Mann also criticised the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) during the Ajnala programme.
He questioned the Congress’s internal leadership ambitions and made remarks about the size of SAD’s political rallies.
The comments are part of the AAP government’s broader campaign messaging ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Punjab Poll Campaign Intensifies
The remarks come shortly after the AAP formally launched its campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections from Ludhiana.
At that event, Mann highlighted his government’s four-year record and argued that rival parties could reverse several of its welfare measures.
Water Rights Likely to Remain Major Election Issue
Punjab’s river-water sharing, its relationship with neighbouring states and the state’s role in decisions involving regional water resources are likely to remain important political issues.
Mann has said Punjab will continue to raise objections when decisions affecting the state’s interests are taken without its participation.