Haryana Congress MLAs stage walkout over MoU to share water with Rajasthan

Chandigarh, February 28

The Congress MLAs today staged a walkout twice over the Haryana Government’s MoU with Rajasthan for providing water through a pipeline.

Dr Raghuvir Singh Kadian raised the issue first during the question hour and then staged a walkout. After lunch, when the House assembled again, he alleged that the MoU was signed under pressure from the Centre. Rajasthan also has a BJP government.

Kadian led the Congress MLAs to the well of the House where they raised slogans “Khattar Tere Raaj Mein, Paani Gaya Rajasthan Mein” against the government. Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar replied, “It is an MoU for checking the feasibility of supplying excess water during the rainy season. It will be seen whether it suits us or not. I will arrange copies of the MoU for you (Opposition).”

Kadian countered by saying there was no excess water in Haryana. The CM said, “Water is being given during the rainy season. We will give water if it exceeds our capacity.”

The para 136 of the Budget speech said, “…an agreement has been signed between Haryana and Rajasthan with the support of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti on February 17, 2024 for the utilisation of excess water of the Yamuna during monsoon. During the monsoons, water flow exceeds 24,000 cusecs. The excess water available will be stored and a pipeline will be laid to carry the water for irrigation purposes to the water-deficit districts of Bhiwani, Charkhi Dadri and Hisar.”