He added, “The state unit of the party is behind the state government on the issue of release of additional water to Haryana, as the neighbouring state had exhausted its allocated share for the September 21–May 20 depletion period.”Jakhar suggested that an all-party delegation should meet the Prime Minister or Union Home Minister Amit Shah to resolve the issue through negotiations.“This was a routine matter which could have been sorted out through talks. I have a record for 23 years, which shows that states have been overdrawing water during the water depletion period. These decisions were taken through discussions,” he said, blaming improper handling for the current standoff.Senior Congress leader and former minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa confirmed that all party leaders had backed the government’s future course of action.Meanwhile, all political parties have agreed to join the state government representatives in taking up the issue with the Prime Minister. Both Mann and Punjab AAP president Aman Arora confirmed they would seek time from the PM after the special assembly session.“There was consensus that any attempt to give water to Haryana will be opposed tooth and nail. Jakhar has been requested to get us time from the PM,” said Arora.Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leaders Balwinder Singh Bhunder and Daljit Singh Cheema, who were also present, said all issues related to Punjab’s rights, river waters, criteria for the appointment of BBMB chairman, the Dam Safety Act, BSF jurisdiction up to 50 km inside the international border, and the transfer of Chandigarh, should be raised with the Prime Minister.“The attempt of BBMB to release water to Haryana by ignoring Punjab’s objections is an attack on federalism. We have given our suggestions. The Chief Minister will decide the next course of action,” said Cheema.All eyes are now on the special session of the Punjab Assembly, scheduled for May 5, where a resolution on the water issue is expected to be passed.
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