Panchkula, May 8 -- Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini escalated his criticism of the Punjab government's handling of the water dispute, denouncing what he described as a "hostage" situation involving the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) chairman. Speaking after paying respects at Nada Sahib Gurdwara on Thursday, Saini accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration of disregarding constitutional norms and judicial decisions and strongly condemned the alleged illegal confinement.

Saini stated that Punjab's refusal to comply with the Punjab and Haryana high court's ruling was "unfortunate" and a direct insult to the constitutional bench. He condemned the alleged hostage situation involving the BBMB chairman, again citing it as '...