The Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab has criticized the Center’s decision to amend the rules governing appointments in the Bhakra Beas Management Board, describing it as part of a broader pattern aimed at weakening the state’s authority and undermining the federal framework. Party leaders said the move reflects an attempt by the BJP-led central government to increase its control over Punjab’s key institutions and natural resources.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains strongly opposed the amendment, saying it demonstrates the Center’s intent to erode Punjab’s rights at every opportunity. He described the decision as a direct blow to the federal structure and expressed concern that such a step was taken on the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who had envisioned a balanced and cooperative system between the Center and states.
Bains also warned that changes in the appointment process could weaken Punjab’s role in managing its water resources. He said removing the requirement of appointing officers with local understanding risks sidelining regional expertise and could affect the state’s interests. Calling the move unconstitutional, he urged the Center to reverse the decision and asked BJP leaders in Punjab to clarify their position.
Cabinet Minister Barinder Goyal echoed similar concerns, stating that the amendment appears to be a calculated attempt to interfere in Punjab’s control over its resources. He pointed out that since the formation of the board in 1974, there had been a well-established arrangement regarding representation from Punjab and Haryana, which had functioned without dispute. He argued that altering this system without justification raises serious questions about the Center’s intentions.
Goyal further said that by introducing flexible wording in the rules, the Center has created room to appoint individuals of its choosing. He also highlighted that Punjab had earlier opposed increasing the number of board members due to the additional financial burden, but its objections were overlooked. According to him, this step, along with earlier decisions such as deploying central forces at dams, places unnecessary strain on the state and signals a shift towards greater central control.
AAP Punjab media in charge, Baltej Pannu, also criticized the changes, saying they effectively open up positions that were traditionally associated with Punjab to candidates from anywhere in the country. He alleged that the Centre’s larger objective is to gain control over Punjab’s water and other key institutions.
Pannu further accused the BJP of pursuing policies that are harmful to Punjab’s interests while simultaneously projecting political ambitions in the state. He warned that such an approach poses a threat to the federal structure and could have serious consequences if left unchecked.
Reaffirming the party’s stance, he said the people of Punjab are aware of these developments and will resist any attempts to compromise the state’s rights. He added that the Aam Aadmi Party will continue to oppose such measures and work to protect Punjab’s resources and interests.
