Chandigarh
Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa strongly criticised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for opposing a proposed 113-km canal aimed at diverting surplus water from the Indus river system to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Randhawa emphasised Punjab’s historic role in national agriculture and security, and expressed disappointment over Abdullah’s remarks.
“Statements that question Punjab’s patriotism are unwarranted,” Randhawa said. “Even during Operation Sindoor, the intensity of Pakistani attacks was greater in Punjab than in J&K. Punjab became a battlefield, yet it stood firm. As long as Punjab remains strong, India remains strong.”
Randhawa said he was deeply saddened by Abdullah’s remarks, particularly given the longstanding ties between the Abdullah family and Punjab. “His grandfather and father had immense respect for Punjab and Darbar Sahib. This statement hurts those sentiments,” he added.
Addressing Abdullah’s suggestion that Punjab had withheld water in the past, Randhawa stated, “When India gained Independence, we relied on the world for grain. It was Punjab’s irrigation and agriculture that lifted the nation. That water is our lifeline.”
Highlighting historical context, Randhawa recalled Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s role in building India’s best canal system. “He not only ruled Jammu & Kashmir for over 40 years but also stopped Mughal invasions through the Khyber Pass, strengthening India.”
Randhawa concluded that Punjab’s border farmers, even in no-man’s-land areas, contribute significantly to India’s food supply and deserve fair access to water resources. His comments come in response to Omar Abdullah’s June 20 statement rejecting the canal plan and questioning Punjab’s past support during Jammu’s water crises.