Amarinder rejects Hooda's claim on Chandigarh

Jalandhar, Nov 16 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today turned down his Haryana counterpart Bhupender Singh Hooda's claim on Chandigarh.

Talking to reporters in Shahkot town in nearby Kapurthala district, Mr Singh categorically stated that Punjab would not give any additional water from its rivers to Haryana.

Reacting sharply to Mr Hooda's recent statement that Chandigarh belonged to Haryana and his state would not give up its right, Capt Singh said that the Union Territory had come up as replacement of Punjab's ancient capital Lahore. "Chandigarh belongs to Punjab and will continue as its capital", he added.

He said after the re-organisation of Greater Punjab, the newly carved out state of Himachal Pradesh had set up its new capital in Shimla and likewise, Haryana should also look for its new capital in due course.

He assured that Punjab would help its neighbouring state in setting up its new capital.

Mr Singh said his state had no additional water and his government would not give any at the cost of interests of the people of Punjab. As per the provision of the riverwater sharing agreement, the neighbouring states would continue to get the present allocated quota, he added.

On the allotment of Congress tickets for the next assembly elections in the state, Mr Singh assured that the youth and women would get a fair share and winnability would be the criterion for the selection of candidates.

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