He stated that Punjab has always prioritised national interests, and water was released to support the unity, integrity, and sovereignty of the country. However, he warned that if any BBMB officer attempts to discharge water again, they would be responsible for their own safety, as public sentiment in Punjab is rising. He again blamed Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for orchestrating the crisis, asserting that his plans would not succeed.Mann said Khattar and the BJP are underestimating Punjab, warning that if Punjabis can guard national borders, they are more than capable of defending their water resources.He further criticised the BBMB, stating that it was originally established to manage the waters of the Sutlej and Beas rivers, but over the years, Punjab’s water has been diverted to other states via the board. Mann accused the BJP government of using the BBMB for political purposes and insisted that the board must be reconstituted, calling its present form both useless and unacceptable.He pointed out the irony of employees from other states being paid from Punjab’s exchequer while acting against the state’s interests. He announced that the government would seek a detailed audit of funds given to the BBMB over recent years, accusing officers of misusing taxpayers’ money for personal agendas. He also condemned the board’s use of Punjab’s funds to fight legal battles against the state.
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