Punjab's act is gross violation of SC orders: Khattar

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today described the resolution passed by Punjab assembly against construction of SYL canal as "gross violation" of the orders of the Supreme Court.
Khattar, who was replying to the Governor's address in Haryana assembly here, was referring to the resolution passed unanimously by Punjab assembly today, stating that they would not allow construction of Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal at any cost. The resolution also stated that neither there was ever any need to construct the SYL Canal nor it is today.
The Chief Minister was referring to this issue as the Supreme Court has ordered status quo on the issue of SYL Canal.

He said the state government would present its view point in the Supreme Court along with the resolution passed by Punjab assembly.
The Chief Minister, while talking to the media after the session today, said "it appeared that the issue now raised by Punjab aimed at gaining mileage during ensuing elections."
However, he said the issue belonged to Haryana and not to Punjab as the Presidential reference had been pending for the last several years and Haryana government had pleaded for its early hearing.

"As the Supreme Court accepted the request of Haryana, the nervousness of Punjab was revealed. Now, it is between the Supreme Court and Punjab government and Haryana has no role in it," he said.

He said the Supreme Court has taken up the issue and in case the Punjab does so, as its today's resolution states, the Supreme Court would take its cognizance.
The CM assured the House that Haryana would do everything possible to get its share of Ravi-Beas waters through SYL canal.
He said that SYL canal is a lifeline for farmers of Haryana and BJP has always been serious on this issue and six of its MLAs had resigned nine months before the elections, he said.
Khattar said the present state government did not sit idle on the issue of SYL canal and met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi and convened a meeting of MLAs and MPs of Haryana.

Taking a dig at Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, Khattar said the move to pass a Bill to de-notify farmers land acquired for construction of SYL canal could also be an excuse of Badal to "leave" the government in the midst due to "fear" of upcoming assembly elections so that he might contest the polls from outside.
Earlier, Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala sought to pass a resolution in the House to condemn today's act of Punjab Assembly.