Gehlot on Yamuna Water: 'Will Welcome CM if Water Arrives'

Former CM challenged the state govt to ensure water supply, not just sign MOUs on Yamuna water.

+Follow us

Follow thinQ360 on Google

HIGHLIGHTS

Ashok Gehlot said he would welcome the Chief Minister if Yamuna water reaches Neemkathana.
He demanded the full implementation of the 1994 Yamuna water agreement, which remains incomplete.
Gehlot raised the issue of getting Rajasthan's share of water from Punjab under the Rajiv-Longowal Accord.
He accused the current government of mismanaging the canal system, leading to a drinking water crisis.

Gehlot on Yamuna Water: 'Will Welcome CM if Water Arrives'

Jaipur | Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has targeted the state government over the Yamuna water agreement. He stated that if the government genuinely brings Yamuna water to Neemkathana, he will personally go to the Chief Minister's residence to welcome and congratulate him.

Slamming 'Paper Politics'

Gehlot mentioned that his statement was being twisted, whereas his stance has always been clear. He emphasized that the actual delivery of water to Rajasthan is more important than paper formalities like MOUs or MOAs.

"If the state gets water, there can be no greater joy for all of Rajasthan. I will personally go to the Chief Minister's residence to welcome and congratulate him."

Referring to the historic 1994 Yamuna water agreement, he said that if the government could implement it on the ground, it would be a huge gift for the Shekhawati region. Gehlot noted that both BJP and Congress governments have been in power in both states over the years, but the agreement was never fully implemented.

Allegations of Political Rhetoric

The former CM alleged that some ministers are making baseless statements merely to save face and please the high command. He clarified that his aim is only to speak for the state's interests, not to politicize the issue.

Raising the Water Issue with Punjab

Gehlot also brought up the Rajiv-Longowal Accord. He said that under this accord, Rajasthan has yet to receive its share of 0.8 MCM of water, which Punjab has held back. He welcomed the efforts of Union Home Minister Amit Shah but said success would only be acknowledged when the water actually reaches Rajasthan.

Accusations of Canal System Failure

He added that this water is also crucial for the Indira Gandhi Canal Project, which would benefit farmers in Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, and Jaisalmer. Gehlot accused the current government of negligence in managing the canal system. He said that despite closures for repairs, water supply is not normal, and people in cities like Jodhpur are desperate for water.

Gehlot claimed that during his tenure, there was better coordination with governments in Punjab, but today, farmers in Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh are facing irrigation and drinking water crises.