CHANDIGARH: Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday strongly condemned the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for imposing what he termed a baseless and illegal ₹500 crore financial burden on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Addressing a press conference, Goyal called the move a direct attack on federal principles and a conspiracy against Punjab’s interests, asserting that the so-called “new cess” has no legal backing and reflects Congress’ arbitrary approach to governance.
Goyal recalled that the Himachal Pradesh government had earlier attempted to impose a water cess, which was later withdrawn after being declared illegal. He alleged that after failing on that front, the Congress government has now introduced another dubious levy without citing any legal provision or authority. The minister also pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister has publicly admitted to initially planning a 4 percent tax, later reducing it to 2 percent, before unilaterally announcing ₹500 crore as a so-called tax share from BBMB.
Terming the decision unconstitutional, Goyal said Punjab has a major stake in BBMB and such arbitrary actions directly harm the state’s rights. He said the Punjab government has formally written to BBMB rejecting the levy and will challenge it before all appropriate forums, including the courts. Attacking Congress, Goyal accused the party of historically wronging Punjab, particularly on water issues, and criticised Punjab Congress leaders for remaining silent. Reiterating the AAP government’s stand, he said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab will firmly oppose any illegal cess or financial exploitation of the state.
