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"Haryana will not give up its water share"

Special Correspondent

Hooda tells Amarinder Singh

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, has categorically conveyed to his Punjab counterpart, Amarinder Singh, that his State would not give up its rightful claim on its share of water.

Inaugurating the Patiala Heritage Festival at Kila Mubarak in Patiala on Saturday evening, Mr.Hooda made this remark while accepting a "sword'' as a mark of honour from Mr.Amarinder Singh. Mr.Hooda said in Hindi: "Aapne jo talwar dee hai,aap per istemal nahi karuga par pani ka hak nahi chodu ga''. ( The sword which you have given would not be used against you, but I would not leave the share of water).

Mr. Hooda appreciated the efforts being made by the Chairperson of Patiala Heritage Society, Parneet Kaur, MP, for promoting cultural heritage of Patiala. He described Kila Mubarak, where the inaugural function was held, as a symbol of secularism. He said that both Punjab and Haryana, which had common cultural heritage, were among the fast developing States in the country. Holding of such cultural festivals would create an awakening among the people about this rich cultural heritage, he added.

UNI adds

Notwithstanding the differences on water sharing and territorial issues, Punjab and Haryana have agreed to jointly work together in the agriculture, power and industry sectors.

``Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and myself have decided to work cordially shunning past bitter experiences'', Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh said while talking to media persons here today. He referred to his meeting with Mr Hooda here last night.

When asked to comment on Mr Hooda's remarks yesterday that he will not set aside his states claim to the waters of Punjab, the Chief Minister quipped ``No Chief Minister can afford to spurn sensitive issues''.

He disclosed that very soon a joint meeting of Chief Ministers of northern state would be held to discuss the possibilities of joint efforts for setting up hydel power projects. He said that he had already spoken to the Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Haryana on this issue and they had given their consent for these joint efforts.

MSP issue

Capt Amarinder Singh and his Haryana counterpart will go to New Delhi and jointly plead for raising the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat from the Rs 650 that had been announced.

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