Chandigarh, January 6
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday strongly condemned the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for imposing a baseless and ‘illegal’ financial burden of ₹500 crore on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), calling it a brazen assault on federal principles and a direct conspiracy against Punjab’s interests.
Addressing a press conference, Goyal made it clear that the so-called “new cess” has no legal foundation whatsoever and is nothing but another example of Congress’ habitual high-handedness. He reminded that earlier, the Himachal Pradesh Congress government had attempted to impose a water cess, which was challenged and ultimately withdrawn due to its illegality.
“After failing in their water cess attempt, the Congress government has now cooked up another dubious levy. No one knows which law they have invoked, where this tax originates from, or under what authority they have arbitrarily assessed the value of land, machinery, and infrastructure on their own,” Goyal said.
The Minister revealed that as per available information, even the Himachal Pradesh CM has publicly admitted that he initially planned to impose a 4 percent tax but later reduced it to 2 percent, and then unilaterally declared ₹500 crore as their so-called ‘tax share’ from BBMB.
Goyal termed this move as completely unconstitutional and illegal. “Punjab has a major stake in BBMB, and this arbitrary decision directly harms Punjab’s interests. We have formally written to BBMB, clearly stating that this levy is unlawful and unacceptable. We will pursue this matter relentlessly, before BBMB, in courts, and at every possible forum,” he asserted.
Lashing out at Congress, Goyal said Punjab has historically suffered injustice whenever Congress was in power. “When Congress ruled Punjab and at the Centre, Punjab’s waters were looted. Today, the same Congress mindset has resurfaced through the Himachal government. This is the real face of Congress, anti-Punjab and anti-farmer,” he said.
Goyal also slammed Punjab Congress leaders for maintaining a shameful silence and effectively siding against Punjab. “It is deeply unfortunate that Punjab Congress leaders have chosen to stand against their own state instead of raising their voice for Punjab’s rights,” he remarked.
Reaffirming the AAP government’s commitment, Goyal said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the AAP government stands firmly with the people of Punjab. We will not allow any injustice or financial exploitation of Punjab under any circumstances. Any attempt to impose an illegal cess or weaken Punjab’s rightful share will be fought tooth and nail.”
