Punjab minister Barinder Kumar Goyal (File photo) Punjab minister and senior AAP leader Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday criticised the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for allegedly imposing an “illegal” financial burden of Rs 500 crore on the Bhakra Beas Management Board.Addressing a press conference here, Goyal, who holds the water resources portfolio, also said the proposed “new cess” is against the federal principles and has no legal basis.The move, which will directly harm Punjab’s interests, amounts to a conspiracy against the state, he claimed.The minister said earlier also the Himachal Pradesh government tried to impose a water cess, which was withdrawn after it was challenged for being illegal.”After the previous attempt failed, the Congress government has come up with another arbitrary levy without explaining under which law it has been imposed,” he said.Goyal also claimed that there is no clarity as to how the value of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) land, its machinery and infrastructure were assessed.He alleged that the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu) earlier spoke of imposing a 4 per cent tax, which was later reduced to 2 per cent, before finally declaring Rs 500 crore as the state’s share.Terming the decision unconstitutional, Goyal said Punjab has a major stake in the BBMB and the levy would adversely affect the state.The Punjab government had written to the BBMB, calling the levy illegal and unacceptable, he said.”We will fight this issue before the BBMB, in courts and at every appropriate forum,” Goyal said.The minister also accused the Congress of historically harming Punjab’s interests, particularly on issues of water.He criticised the Punjab Congress leaders for remaining silent on the issue, alleging that they are not standing up for the state.The AAP government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will not allow any injustice or financial exploitation of Punjab, and will strongly oppose any illegal cess. PTIEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDeepam row: Piyush Goyal Accuses MK Stalin Govt Of Targeting Hindu TraditionsDonald Trump, Venezuela And India: Prithviraj Chavan’s Remark On PM Modi Kidnapping Sparks Row’Hindus Will Not Be Allowed To Stay’: BNP Candidate’s Threat Sparks Alarm Amid Bangladesh KillingsNepal Imposes Curfew In Birgunj Near India Border After Social Media Sparks Religious TensionsHyderabad Techie Murdered In US: Father Denies Love Angle, Seeks Justice Across BordersIndia Speeds Up Chenab Hydropower Projects, Redrawing Indus Rivers Water Control Lines For PakistanPolitical War Erupts After JNU Slogans Target PM Modi Following Umar Khalid Bail Rejection VerdictUS Senator Claims India Cut Russian Oil Buys And Sought Trump Tariff Relief Amid Pressure Bid On OilVHP Calls Out Bangladesh Chief Adviser Yunus’ ‘Empire of Unrest’ After 6 Hindus Killed In 18 DaysPathankot Arrest Of 15-Year-Old Spy Exposes Strategy Of Pakistan ISI Targeting Minors Against India123PhotostoriesFull list of the winners of ‘MasterChef India’: From Pankaj Bhadouria to Mohammed Ashiq5 simple neck exercises to ease stiffness and restore mobilityWhere will you be this Makar Sankranti? 5 best destinations in India to witness the festivalFrom opening up about losing a leg in a tragic accident to being unemployed for 7 years after Naache Mayuri: When Sudha Chandran spoke about life, parent’s support and career7 must-read fantasy novels that transport you to magical worldsSimple ways to make thick and dense Hot Chocolate without adding extra caloriesCancel that trip to Kashmir if these 6 places aren’t on your winter travel itinerary5 smart ways to repurpose your old smartwatch instead of throwing it awayTop cultural events in Delhi in January 2026 travellers shouldn’t missHow to make Chettinad Egg Curry for dinner123Hot PicksBudget 2026Vande Bharat Sleeper TrainPublic holidays January 2026Gold rate todayUS Visa BondsCigarette tax hikeBank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingSan Francisco 49ersCardi BQuinn HughesKyle TuckerSidney Crosby LifestyleTyrese Haliburton and Jade Jones Net WorthKevin StefanskiChicago Bulls vs Boston CelticsJohn PyleKevin Durant vs LeBron James Net Worth
Punjab minister and senior AAP leader Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday criticised the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh for allegedly imposing an “illegal” financial burden of Rs 500 crore on the Bhakra Beas Management Board.Addressing a press conference here, Goyal, who holds the water resources portfolio, also said the proposed “new cess” is against the federal principles and has no legal basis.The move, which will directly harm Punjab’s interests, amounts to a conspiracy against the state, he claimed.The minister said earlier also the Himachal Pradesh government tried to impose a water cess, which was withdrawn after it was challenged for being illegal.“After the previous attempt failed, the Congress government has come up with another arbitrary levy without explaining under which law it has been imposed,” he said.Goyal also claimed that there is no clarity as to how the value of Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) land, its machinery and infrastructure were assessed.He alleged that the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu) earlier spoke of imposing a 4 per cent tax, which was later reduced to 2 per cent, before finally declaring Rs 500 crore as the state’s share.Terming the decision unconstitutional, Goyal said Punjab has a major stake in the BBMB and the levy would adversely affect the state.The Punjab government had written to the BBMB, calling the levy illegal and unacceptable, he said.“We will fight this issue before the BBMB, in courts and at every appropriate forum,” Goyal said.The minister also accused the Congress of historically harming Punjab’s interests, particularly on issues of water.He criticised the Punjab Congress leaders for remaining silent on the issue, alleging that they are not standing up for the state.The AAP government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will not allow any injustice or financial exploitation of Punjab, and will strongly oppose any illegal cess. PTI
