Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 28: The Haryana government is preparing to file a defamation case against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal over his allegation that the BJP-led state was deliberately contaminating the Yamuna to disrupt Delhi’s water supply ahead of elections. BJP sources confirmed that the party would also approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) with a formal complaint against the former Delhi Chief Minister.
During an election rally in Delhi, Kejriwal claimed that high ammonia levels in the Yamuna indicated deliberate contamination by the Haryana government. He alleged that officials of the Delhi Jal Board had found traces of poison in the water supplied from Haryana. Accusing the BJP of attempting to endanger lives for political gain, he questioned the ruling party’s motives behind such actions.
In response, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed Kejriwal’s claims as baseless and politically motivated. He asserted that the people of Haryana revered the Yamuna and would never pollute its waters. Saini further accused Kejriwal of making false promises in 2020 about cleaning the Yamuna and now resorting to such statements out of fear of electoral defeat. He demanded an immediate apology from the AAP leader, warning that legal action would be taken if he failed to do so.
Haryana Minister Shruti Chaudhary termed Kejriwal’s remarks as irresponsible and warned that they could incite unrest. He also criticized the Delhi government for failing to clean the Yamuna despite the central government allocating Rs 8,000 crore for the purpose.
Amidst the escalating political tension, the Election Commission has directed the Haryana government to submit a factual report by January 28 regarding the ammonia levels in the water supplied to Delhi. This order came after Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann submitted a joint representation on the matter.
With Delhi set to go to polls on February 5, the issue of clean water has become a crucial factor in the ongoing election campaign.