BJP Wants to Snatch Panjab University and Punjab’s Water, Says CM Mann

October 26, 2026

Patiala: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday targeted the BJP, accusing it of seeking votes by attempting to snatch Punjab University, Chandigarh, and the state’s water rights. He said that depriving Punjab of its legitimate rights and financial dues has become a long-standing practice for the BJP.

The Chief Minister accused the Modi government at the Centre of withholding Punjab’s Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Value Added Tax (VAT) dues for the past four and a half years. He also attacked the Akali Dal and BJP on the issue of drug abuse, saying that both parties had harmed Punjab during their previous tenures and were now preparing to come together for electoral gains.

Mann said that Punjab would not compromise on its rights and interests. He claimed that opposition parties were worried about the public support being received by the Aam Aadmi Party.

Punjab’s rights will not be compromised: Mann

Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “The BJP is seeking votes through a conspiracy to snatch Punjab University and Punjab’s water. Depriving Punjab of its legitimate rights has become a long-standing practice of the BJP.”

He said that the people of Punjab have made great sacrifices for the country. The state has contributed significantly to the country’s food security and has always been at the forefront of national defense. Despite this, the BJP-led central government is being accused of injustice towards Punjab.

The Chief Minister said that Punjab will not allow any political party to harm the state’s interests or compromise the rights of the people.

Punjab University and water are important issues

Mann said that Punjab University is an important institution linked to the state’s history, identity, and educational heritage. At the same time, water resources are vital to the state’s agricultural economy and the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

He said that the people of Punjab will not tolerate any attempt to weaken the state’s institutions, water resources, and financial rights.

Center cornered for withholding RDF and VAT dues

The Chief Minister criticized the central government for Punjab’s pending financial dues. He alleged that the Modi government has withheld funds from the state’s Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Value Added Tax (VAT).

Mann said that the prolonged withholding of funds is causing injustice to the people of Punjab. This also impacts essential development work and rural infrastructure projects in the state.

He said that Punjab is not seeking any additional benefits from the central government, but is demanding its legitimate financial rights. The Chief Minister appealed to the central government to fulfill its financial responsibilities towards the state.