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Ludhiana: SKM opposes Centre’s BBMB move, calls it a blow to Punjab’s rights
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Punjab, opposed the Centre’s decision to end Punjab’s permanent membership in the BBMB and announced protests. A meeting in Ludhiana demanded withdrawal of the notification and said a delegation would meet the Punjab governor on April 24 to register opposition.
Why It Matters
The move is framed as a challenge to Punjab’s rights over its water resources and federal powers, reflecting ongoing tensions between the state and the central government over resource control.
Timeline
1 Event
SKM meeting in Ludhiana opposes BBMB notification; plans protest, to meet governor on April 24
April 18, 2026
At a meeting held in Ludhiana, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), Punjab, opposed the Centre's decision to end Punjab's permanent membership in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). The participants demanded withdrawal of the central government's notification and announced a protest programme. They said a large public delegation would meet Punjab governor Gulab Chand Kataria in Chandigarh on April 24 to formally register the opposition. The meeting was presided over by farmer leaders Ruldu Singh Mansa, Baldev Singh Nihalgarh, and Boota Singh Shadipur. The SKM alleged long-standing discrimination against Punjab by successive central governments and argued that central control over water resources has increased since state reorganization. It asserted Punjab’s constitutional rights over rivers and water resources fall under the State List and accused the Centre of curtailing these powers. The group announced that agitation would intensify with further steps to be announced after meeting the governor on April 24. Prominent leaders Balbir Singh Rajewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, and Harinder Singh Lakhowal were in attendance.