Haryana, Centre giving 'lame excuses' to delay SYL canal: INLD

Senior INLD leader Abhay Singh Chautala today alleged that BJP government in the state and at the Centre were giving "lame excuses" to delay the construction of the Satluj-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal.

Addressing a gathering after the recent launch of a 'jail bharo' agitation jointly by the Indian National Lok Dal and the Bahujan Samaj Party, Chautala accused the BJP government in the state of intimidating people wanting to take part in the stir.

The leader of opposition in Haryana Assembly, however, said people will not be cowed down and continue to struggle for their demands.

The agitation has been launched to pressure the Centre to complete the construction of SYL canal in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court to secure Haryana's share of water from Ravi and Beas rivers, he said.

Chautala claimed that there was no dispute related to the canal pending in courts and the central government was bound to honour the apex court verdict and complete the project.

"But BJP government at the Centre and in the state are finding lame excuses to delay the completion of the canal," he alleged.

Chautala accused the BJP of making false promises to win votes in 2014 and now its government was exploiting farmers.

"We promise that if the INLD-BSP alliance is voted to power, the government will not only waive loans of farmers but also implement the Swaminathan Commission report on fixing MSP (for farm produce)," he said.

He said a member of every family will be given a government job and Rs 5 lakh will be given for marriage of a woman from poor family if the alliance wins the next poll.

Old-age pension would be enhanced to Rs 2,500 per month and power bills reduced by half, he promised at the rally.

Chautala claimed that the BJP came to power in absence of a credible alternative in 2014.

"But now the people have a choice in the form of the third front under the leadership of (BSP chief) Mayawati," he said.