In the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, opposition leader Rajendra Rathore addressed a large gathering of farmers at the Sri Ganganagar district collectorate. He voiced their demand for the supply of 2,800 cusecs of water to the Ganganahar canal based on their share, stating that the Congress-led state government’s weak stance on reducing water supply to Ganganahar is causing anguish and frustration among the farmers of Ganganagar. Rathore explained that the distribution of water from Ganganahar was agreed upon under an agreement between the princely states of Bikaner, Bahawalpur, and the Punjab State in 1926, which allotted Rajasthan 1.11 million acre-feet (MAF) of water annually. Between 1955 and 1963, as per the agreement, Rajasthan received 47% of its water from the Ferozepur Feeder. However, due to the Punjab government’s tactics, Rajasthan’s rights to 2,800 cusecs of water from Ganganahar have been curtailed over the last 20 days, with only 700-800 cusecs available. Rathore highlighted that, despite the 1981 agreement between Rajasthan and Punjab for water sharing from the Ferozepur Feeder and the Eastern Canal in the context of the canal water dispute, the ongoing actions of the Punjab government are causing severe damage to crops in Ganganagar and Hanumangarh, affecting thousands of hectares of farmland. In addition, Rathore emphasized that when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) formed a government in Punjab, it was in alliance with the Congress in the “India” coalition. However, despite this alliance, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been unable to protect Rajasthan’s share of water as per the 1981 agreement. Punjab’s government has even promised to divert water from Rajasthan’s share under the 1981 agreement through new canals, impacting the already distressed farmers of Ganganagar and other areas. Rathore assured the farmers that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will stand with them. He stated that when the BJP comes to power in the state, they will ensure proper water management for irrigation and uphold the rights of farmers, even if it means confronting the Punjab government.
Additionally, Rathore expressed concerns about rising corruption in the state, citing instances of gang rapes, and atrocities against children. He criticized the government for failing to provide the promised budget allocations for water-related projects and accused them of corruption and empty promises.