Water crisis: Punjab’s single engine heavy on BJP's double engine government, says Deepender Hooda

AMBALA/KURUKSHETRA: In a show of political opposition, senior Congress leaders, including Haryana Congress chief Uday Bhan and Member of Parliament Deepender Singh Hooda, addressed a public rally in Ambala and Kurukshetra as part of the party’s ongoing “Sanvidhan Bachao” (Save the Constitution) campaign. The event focused on protecting constitutional values and raising concerns over the BJP-led Haryana government’s alleged failures, particularly on water rights and institutional integrity.
Taking a sharp jab at the ruling BJP, Deepender Hooda stated, “Punjab’s single-engine government has overpowered Haryana’s so-called double-engine government over the water issue.” He criticized the state administration for its inaction in implementing the Supreme Court’s verdict on the contentious Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue and the broader water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana.
Hooda revealed that Congress MPs have requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Haryana’s water concerns. He alleged that for years, Haryana has lacked representation in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which governs key water resources in the region. “Earlier, Haryana had its own senior engineer, irrigation member, and secretary in BBMB. Now, with none in place, who will defend the state's interests?” Hooda asked.
He also reminded the public that important projects like a railway coach factory and an international airport have slipped out of Haryana’s grasp under the current BJP regime. “Even after the Supreme Court’s decision, this double-engine government has failed to enforce it on SYL issue. The chief minister should urgently seek an audience with the Prime Minister,” he demanded, adding that the Congress is ready to accompany the CM to support Haryana’s water rights.
Hooda warned that the country is witnessing a steady erosion of constitutional principles. He accused the central BJP government of suppressing dissent by misusing constitutional institutions and violating the spirit of B R Ambedkar’s vision. “The Constitution granted us equal rights, including reservations. But today, the very institutions built to protect those rights are being weakened,” he said.
Calling for unity and heightened awareness, Hooda declared, “We must be more vigilant and organized than ever before to protect the Constitution. We will not allow anyone to dilute the rights given to us by it.”
Congress President Uday Bhan echoed these concerns, saying, “There is an undeclared emergency in the country today. A wall of hatred is being built to distract the public from core issues.” He pointed out that the very people who once burned copies of the Constitution are now trying to undermine its foundation.
Uday Bhan added that, “The Constitution is not just a legal document - it’s a social and economic contract that empowers the marginalized. A strong India needs a strong Constitution,” he concluded.
The event in Ambala was organised by Ambala City MLA Nirmal Singh and in Kurukshetra by Thanesar MLA Ashok Arora, saw the participation of several senior Congress leaders and MLAs, including Ambala MP Varun Chaudhary, AICC secretary Praful Guddhe, Ashok Arora, Mandeep Chattha, Ram Karan Kala, and others, along with hundreds of local party workers and supporters.