Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today asked Union minister and Punjab BJP chief 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," AAP's state convener Gurpreet Singh Ghuggi 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," he asked.
The AAP leader sought Sampla's reply on the filing of affidavit by 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.
The Union MoS for Social Justice and Empowerment on Wednesday defended Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal's remarks on the SYL canal issue, saying Punjab should get its rightful share of the river waters.
Sampla had said 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 said 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 had yesterday said Punjab and its people will not accept any verdict against the state's interest on river waters.
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