Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann challenges opposition to "live debate on all issues"

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Amid the ongoing dispute over the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has thrown down the gauntlet to opposition parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiromani Akali Dal, and Congress, by extending an "open invitation" for a "live debate on all issues" instead of engaging in "daily bickering."

In a statement posted in Hindi on X, CM Mann said, "It is my open invitation to BJP chief Jakhar ji, Akali Dal's Sukhbir Singh Badal, and Congress's Raja Wadding-Pratap Bajwa ji that instead of daily bickering, come once and sit in front of the media and discuss who looted Punjab and how... brother-nephew, brother-in-law, friends-relatives, youth-farmers, businesses-shopkeepers, speeches of Gurus, Canal waters... Let's do a live debate on all issues."

He further added, "You can bring a paper with you, but I will speak by word of mouth. November 1 'Punjab Day' will be a good day, and you will also have time for preparation. I am fully prepared because there is no need to memorize things to speak the truth."

The ongoing dispute over the SYL Canal intensified after the Supreme Court criticized the Punjab government for its failure to take steps for the canal's construction. This led to protests from opposition parties demanding immediate action.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the chief of Shiromani Akali Dal, announced plans for his party to protest at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence on October 10, while Sunil Jhakkar, BJP state president, alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), under the leadership of Bhagwant Mann, had deceived Punjab.

However, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar stated that Punjab must adjust its attitude in line with the directives of the Supreme Court.

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In a recent development, a bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, CT Ravikumar, and Sudhanshu Dhulia, presiding over the Sutlej-Yamuna link (SYL) canal dispute, criticized the Punjab government for its inaction regarding the canal's construction. The court emphasized the need for Punjab's cooperation in the process.

The court also instructed the Centre to survey the portion of land allocated to Punjab and to explore mediation possibilities. Further hearings on the matter are scheduled for January 2024.

The SYL canal dispute between Haryana and Punjab has its roots in the contentious 1981 water-sharing agreement, which emerged following Haryana's separation from Punjab in 1966. The canal was intended for equitable water distribution, with both states tasked to construct their respective portions within their territories.

While Haryana completed its part of the canal, Punjab halted construction after the initial phase, leading to a protracted legal battle.

In 2004, Punjab unilaterally passed a law cancelling the SYL agreement and similar pacts. However, in 2016, the Supreme Court invalidated this legislation. Subsequently, Punjab returned the acquired land, intended for canal construction, to the original landowners. (With inputs from ANI)