Ahead of the meeting of Haryana Chief Ministers, Khattar expresses hope for a solution to the SYL issue.

Haryana: Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday expressed hope that talks between Haryana and Punjab could resolve the long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute.

Responding to the proposed meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on January 27, Khattar said the discussions could help resolve the issue before the next Supreme Court hearing in April. He was speaking to media persons at the PWD Rest House here.

The meeting was called following a letter from the Union Water Resources Minister urging both states to hold bilateral talks. “I hope a solution will emerge so that the Supreme Court can be informed accordingly,” Khattar said.

Commenting on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s organizational training program for district presidents in Kurukshetra, Khattar said the initiative seemed “well-thought-out.” He said the Congress is now adopting the BJP’s working style, and its leaders are also acknowledging the importance of a strong organizational structure.

On the BJP getting a new national president, Khattar said the party has consciously promoted young leadership, which has resulted in several chief ministers and senior leaders. Praising the new president, he said the leader is a “dedicated worker” who has performed well as an MLA and minister. Emphasizing the importance of capacity building, Khattar said training is essential for everyone and should not be criticized. When asked about the controversy involving Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, Khattar said he did not have complete information. “The local people know who was at fault and who insulted whom,” he said.

Wishing Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on his birthday, Khattar described him as a hardworking and dynamic leader, adding that his popularity is growing even outside Haryana. He said people from Punjab are also inviting Saini to their programs.

On the Union Budget to be presented on February 1, Khattar said it would benefit the entire country and every state. He expressed confidence that Haryana would receive its fair share but said it would be inappropriate to comment before the announcement.

Regarding infrastructure, Khattar said the railways would conduct a survey to install lifts at the Karnal railway station for the convenience of passengers, especially senior citizens. He also announced that the rapid train project between Delhi and Karnal had been finalized and was likely to receive cabinet approval soon. Later, Khattar visited Kohand village in his constituency and interacted with residents at the village community center under the Developed India, Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural) (VB-GRAM G) Bill, 2025, describing it as a historic step towards generating employment and promoting rural self-reliance.