New Delhi: AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday responded to Election Commission of India’s (ECI) notice regarding his remarks on Yamuna water contamination. Kejriwal defended his statement, presenting facts to prove its credibility. He asserted that no law or code had been violated, saying, “Facts prove no violation of any law or any code has been committed.”
Kejriwal also urged Election Commission to take action on the issue of safe drinking water, saying, “Beseech and most humbly request Election Commission to intervene on the major issue of availability of safe water and pass appropriate directions to the state of Haryana so that safe quantity of water is made available to the citizens of Delhi.”
ECI’s notice and warning
Election Commission had issued a notice to Kejriwal on Tuesday, asking him to provide proof of his claims that Haryana was mixing “poison” into the Yamuna water to disrupt Delhi’s water supply. He was asked to submit his response by 8 pm on Wednesday.
The poll body cited legal provisions and previous court rulings, warning that Kejriwal could face up to three years of imprisonment if his statements were found to be misleading and harmful to national unity. The ECI said that such remarks could create tension between regional groups and states, potentially leading to law-and-order problems due to concerns about water shortages.
Additionally, the Election Commission had earlier directed Haryana government to submit a factual report by January 28 regarding allegations of increased ammonia levels in the water supplied to Delhi.
Kejriwal’s allegations against BJP
Kejriwal made the controversial remarks during an election rally on January 27, where he accused BJP of deliberately contaminating Delhi’s water supply. He said, “Nothing is a bigger sin than depriving people of water. The BJP is trying to leave the people of Delhi thirsty for its dirty politics. They are mixing poison in the water being sent from Haryana.”
He further claimed that the contamination was severe enough to make water treatment plants ineffective. “This contaminated water is so toxic that it cannot be treated by the water treatment plants present in Delhi. The BJP wants to commit mass murder of Delhi residents. We will not let this happen,” the AAP chief said.
