Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil on Saturday made a strong statement on the Indus River water issue, saying that India will no longer allow its water resources to flow out for the benefit of Pakistan. He clearly stated that the government’s priority is to ensure that India’s water is used for Indian citizens.
Speaking to the media at the BJP headquarters in Jaipur, Patil said, “The country’s water will be used first for the people of India. The government is taking firm and practical steps to make this happen.”
The Union Minister revealed that the Centre is working on a detailed action plan to stop water from flowing across the border and instead redirect it to Indian states facing water shortages. He said states such as Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi will directly gain from this move.
“A Detailed Project Report has already been prepared to divert the water that was earlier going to Pakistan. This water will now be used for development and public needs within India,” Patil said.
During the interaction, Patil also spoke about the recent chaos in the Lok Sabha and blamed the Congress party for crossing parliamentary limits. Referring to the Prime Minister’s reply day, he said the situation inside the House had become dangerous.
“It was extremely unfortunate. Congress women MPs reached the Prime Minister’s seat — something that has never happened before in the history of the Lok Sabha. Parliament is meant for debate and discussion, not for such actions,” he said.
Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Patil accused him of disrespecting the Sikh community. He referred to Gandhi’s remarks and conduct towards Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu.
“Insulting a turbaned Sardar and blocking his way is wrong. Such behaviour has no place in Parliament,” Patil said.
On the economic front, the Union Minister defended the performance of the Modi government, stating that India’s economy has shown steady growth over the last 12 years while inflation has remained under control.
He also took a swipe at former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, saying that despite his reputation as an economist, India could not rise beyond the 10th or 11th position globally during his tenure. “Today, India stands as the world’s third-largest economy, and the impact of tax reforms is clearly visible,” he added.
Addressing water scarcity in Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, Patil spoke about the Yamuna Water Project. He said Rajasthan had rightful access to Yamuna water, but earlier governments failed to act.
“Now, the Haryana and Rajasthan governments have agreed to prepare a DPR, and work on the project will start soon. Rajasthan has the least water today, but in the future, it will have the most,” he said.
