Remain neutral on SYL canal, Khattar tells Kejriwal

In a piece of advice to the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on the controversial issue of the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday suggested him to choose his words wisely and remain “neutral” as Delhi was affected by similar issue.

“Like Haryana, Delhi is also affected by the similar issue. Delhi also did not have its own sources of water and instead, sourced it from other States,” Mr. Khattar told reporters in Chandigarh.

He said that as Haryana’s water carrier should remain safe in Punjab, the same way Delhi’s water carrier should also be safe.

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij criticised Mr. Kejriwal for his reported statement, terming the decision of the Punjab government on the SYL canal as right.

“Kejriwal says Punjab have no water to spare for#syl to Haryana. If we say we also have no water to spare for Delhi what will #Kejriwal do?” tweeted Mr. Anil.

Mr. Anil said that Mr. Kejriwal should understand what would happen to Delhi, if Haryana too behaves on the line of Punjab with Delhi pertaining to its water share.

“Delhi has nothing of its own including electricity, water, milk, fruits and vegetables. This kind of small mindedness is not in the interest of the country,” said Mr. Anil, adding that “for us vote-bank comes later, country comes first.”