The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday opposed the Centre’s move to open key posts in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to officers from other states, alleging it was an attempt to gain control over the state’s river waters.The party’s reaction comes after a notification issued by the Centre on April 13 amending the BBMB Rules, 1974. The amendment revises the eligibility criteria for the posts of Member (Power) and Member (Irrigation), allowing officers from Rajasthan and Himachal to be considered. The state government had earlier objected to the move.The Tribune had first reported the story on the Centre’s move to change the eligibility criteria for the two posts.AAP chief spokesperson Baltej Singh Pannu said the Punjab Government would challenge the decision in court. “The Bhagwant Mann government will fight this move at every level, including the Supreme Court, to protect the rights of Punjab,” he said.Official sources said the Centre was also considering a proposal to amend Section 79(2)(a) of the Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966, to increase the number of permanent members in the BBMB by including representatives from Rajasthan and Himachal. The Union Power Ministry had sought comments, which Punjab opposed.In a letter dated February 12 to the Union Power Ministry, the Punjab Government objected to the proposed appointments. It argued that Sections 78 and 79 of the Act were already under challenge in the Supreme Court via a civil petition. The state said the Centre should avoid amendments until a verdict was delivered.Punjab also maintained that Rajasthan was not a successor state and, therefore, not entitled to representation in the BBMB. It added that officials from Himachal and Rajasthan already attended meetings as ex officio members. The state further argued that it bore 40 per cent of BBMB’s expenses and 60 per cent of the Bhakra project cost, and adding new members would increase its burden. It also said the existing members were sufficient to manage the board’s work.Earlier, CM Bhagwant Mann had raised the issue in a letter to the Union Home Minister on October 23, 2025, and reiterated the state’s opposition during the North Zonal Council meeting in Novermber last year.