Cong raises SYL canal issue between Punjab & Haryana in RS

Congress members from Haryana and Punjab today raised the issue of sharing of water between the two states from the SYL canal in Rajya Sabha that turned into a political slugfest between opposition and treasury benches.
Difference of opinion was also witnessed between Congress members from Haryana and Punjab.
During the Zero Hour, Kumari Selja and P L Punia, both natives of Haryana, trooped into the Well carrying placards with slogan 'SYL'.
Soon thereafter, M S Gill (Cong) who had given a notice for Zero Hour mention on the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal said water disputes cannot be resolved by court orders.

"River waters cannot be settled by court orders. This order was given eight-ten years ago and it is lying there... So, this has to be settled coolly with all the parties applying their mind calmly...," he said.
Deputy Chairman P J Kurien asked Selja who was in the Well to associate with Gill. However, the former Union Minister sought time to speak on the issue saying "I have to say because I am from Haryana and he (Gill) is from Punjab".

"I only want to say that the Supreme Court has given its ruling that Punjab must complete S.Y.L. And give Haryana its due share of water and the Presidential Reference is pending in the Supreme Court," she said.

"President has asked for reference from the Supreme Court. The decision is yet to come. Elections are due in Punjab. Akali government has arbitrarily, illegally has taken decision" to return the land acuquired in 1977 for SYL.
When Selja said Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has "destroyed" people, farmer and youth of Punjab, Food processing Minister and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal and some other members from the treasury benches objected to her statement.
"How can you allow them to say this? They are bringing a low level of politics into the House," said Power Minister Piyush Goyal. Kurien said he would go through the records and expunge if anything was found objectionable.

Ambika Soni, the Congress Rajya Sabha Member from Punjab too was saying something but could not be heard.
Amid counter arguments between Congress and ruling party mebers, the House was adjourned for 10 minutes.