Delhi CM Atishi
| Photo Credit: File Photo
A war of words erupted between AAP in Delhi and the Haryana government on Monday (January 27, 2025) over the quality of water supplied to the Capital from the Yamuna River, which flows through Haryana. AAP alleged that the level of ammonia in the water is high and termed it “water terrorism” and a “deliberate” act by the Haryana government.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and her Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann wrote a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) alleging that the increase in ammonia in the Yamuna water released by Haryana to Delhi will affect the conduct of free and fair elections in the national capital. The letter sought the CEC’s intervention to solve the issue. According to sources, the Election Commission (EC) has directed the Haryana government to submit a factual report by Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
At a press meet, Ms. Atishi said the BJP is facing a “crushing defeat” and out of frustration, it has resorted to “despicable actions”.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal also alleged that the country has never seen such “dirty politics”. “If the people of Delhi are not voting for BJP, will you kill the people of Delhi by giving them water mixed with poison?” he said on X.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini hit back at Mr. Kejriwal, accusing him of failing to make proper arrangements for water distribution, which has forced Delhi residents to consume contaminated water. He alleged that the AAP government in Delhi systematically diverted 28 drains into the Yamuna.
“Mr. Kejriwal has a habit of making baseless allegations and then avoiding responsibility. This reflects both Kejriwal’s personal approach and the mindset of his party,” said Mr. Saini.
He said he has asked Mr. Kejriwal to send his Chief Secretary and officers to Haryana, specifically to Sonipat, from where Haryana supplies water to Delhi, to inspect the quality of the water being provided.
‘Will sue Kejriwal’
The Haryana government will sue Mr. Kejriwal for his allegation that the BJP is mixing “poison” into the Yamuna water, BJP sources said on Monday (January 27, 2025), adding that the party will also move the EC on Tuesday (January 28, 2025).
The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) in an official communication to the Chief Secretary termed AAP’s allegations “factually incorrect and misleading”. “DJB regularly monitors incoming water quality and regulates supply depending on various parameters,” it stated and added that ammonia levels in the Yamuna increase during the winter season: October-February.
In response, AAP said, “While the letter attempts to justify the ammonia spike as a seasonal phenomenon, it ignores the scale of the current crisis.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Published – January 28, 2025 02:25 am IST