₹500 crore burden on BBMB unconstitutional, anti-Punjab: Barinder Kumar Goyal

January 6, 2026

Chandigarh: Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged financial burden of ₹500 crore imposed by the Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh government on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). He termed it a direct attack on the federal structure and a conspiracy against the interests of Punjab.

‘Illegal tax imposed without legal basis’

Addressing a press conference, Goyal clarified that the so-called “new cess” is completely illegal and has no legal basis. He recalled that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh had previously attempted to impose a water cess, but it had to be withdrawn after being challenged for its illegal nature.

“After failing with the water cess, the Congress government has now devised another dubious levy. No one knows under which law this tax was imposed, what its origins are, and by what authority the arbitrary valuation of land, machinery, and infrastructure was made,” Goyal said.

The Minister explained that, according to available information, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh himself admitted that the plan was initially to impose a 4 percent tax, then reduce it to 2 percent, and finally, arbitrarily declare ₹500 crore from the BBMB as his “tax share.”

‘A direct attack on Punjab’s rights, the fight will be fought on every platform’

Calling this move completely unconstitutional, Goyal said that Punjab has a major stake in the BBMB and this arbitrary decision directly harms the state’s interests. “We have formally written to the BBMB, making it clear that this levy is illegal and unacceptable. We will vigorously pursue this issue with the BBMB, in the courts, and on every possible platform,” he said.

Attacking the Congress party, Goyal said that Punjab has suffered injustice whenever it has been in power.
“During Congress rule, Punjab’s water was plundered. Today, the same mentality is being reflected through the Himachal government. This is the true face of the Congress party—anti-Punjab and anti-farmer,” he said.

‘AAP government stands firmly with Punjab’

He also questioned the silence of Punjab Congress leaders.
“It is extremely unfortunate that instead of raising their voices for the interests of their own state, Punjab Congress leaders are seen standing against it,” Goyal said.

Reiterating the AAP government’s commitment, he said, “The Aam Aadmi Party government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann stands firmly with the people of Punjab. We will not tolerate injustice or economic exploitation of Punjab at any cost. Any illegal cess or attempt to undermine Punjab’s rights will be fought tooth and nail.”