India, April 15 -- The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress in Punjab on Tuesday objected to the BJP-led central government's amendment to the rules governing appointments in the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

The Union government on Monday amended the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) Rules, 1974, opening the top positions of member (power) and member (irrigation) to candidates nationwide, removing the mandatory reservation for officers from Punjab and Haryana. These roles now require higher technical qualifications and 20 years of experience.

Condemning the move, cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains said the central government's policies clearly indicate its intent to assert control over every aspect of Punjab, mak...