Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday asked the Union Minister and Punjab BJP president Vijay Sampla to clarify his party's stand on the construction of Sutlej Yamuna link (SYl) canal.
“Sampla must explain whether his party will not abide by the Supreme Court's verdict on SYl issue, if it goes against the interests of Punjab,” asked AAP's State convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi while accusing him for adopting ‘double standard’ on the issue.
He said: “If Sampla is really serious about the interests of Punjab, will he appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the case seeking Presidential reference from the Supreme Court.”
AAP leader sought Sampla's reply on the filing of affidavit by the Solicitor General Ranjit Sinha allegedly “against the interests of Punjab” on SYl issue and asked will Sampla ensure withdrawal of Sinha's affidavit from the Apex Court.
“The state BJP chief should also explain what steps he took to save water of Punjab and did he take up the issue with his ministerial colleague concerned at the Centre,” he said.
A day before, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment had defended Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's remarks on the SYl canal issue saying that Punjab should get its rightful share of the river waters.
Sampla had said that Punjab is the grain basket of the country and has contributed immensely to the economy. So it is justified that the state is given its rightful share of waters which is an essential condition for sustaining and strengthening its agricultural economy.
Sampla had added that just like industries are given subsidies for their growth, similarly adequate water is required for boosting agriculture. Punjab's demand for water is not for itself but for the nation.
Badal, on Tuesday, had stated that Punjab and its people will not accept any verdict against the state's interest on river waters.