New Delhi: A political firestorm continues in Delhi over allegations made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal regarding dangerously high ammonia levels in the Yamuna River. Kejriwal’s claims, which he linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana, have sparked a war of words, involving the Election Commission of India (ECI), Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haryana BJP leaders and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG).
Haryana’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister and BJP leader Vipul Goel has responded to the allegation made by Kejriwal, announcing an FIR against Kejriwal under the Disaster Management Act for spreading misinformation and inciting panic. Goel also criticised Kejriwal’s claims as irresponsible and accused him of using such allegations for political gain. He expressed confidence that Delhi’s voters will reject Kejriwal in upcoming elections.
“An FIR has been sent to be registered under Sections 2 (d) and 54 of the Disaster Management Act for spreading misinformation and creating panic among the people of Delhi and Haryana…..,” Goel was quoted as saying news agency ANI.
“The Election Commission has also asked him (Arvind Kejriwal) on what facts is he making these statements?… He should be ashamed of himself for making such irresponsible statements… The Cabinet Ministers and the Prime Minister of the country also drink the same water… The people of Delhi will expel him from politics in the coming days,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi directly entered the fray at a Delhi election rally, questioning the BJP’s ability to poison the water he himself drinks. Modi described Kejriwal’s allegations as “disgusting” and criticised AAP’s “failed promise” to clean the Yamuna. He accused AAP of exploiting the water issue for political advantage, predicting that history and Delhi voters will not forgive them.
“They asked for votes on the Yamuna… but now they are being shameless about it. They want Delhi to beg for water. AAP has sinned for political gains. History will never forgive them… Delhi will never forgive them,” he said.
Adding to the escalation, the ECI issued a notice to Kejriwal demanding factual substantiation for his serious allegations about the poisoning of the Yamuna and claims of mass genocide. The commission asked for evidence specifying the chemical used, the extent of contamination, and the manner in which this would have led to mass deaths.
Furthermore, Delhi LG Vinai Kumar Saxena sent a letter to Chief Minister Atishi, condemning Kejriwal’s statements. Saxena deemed Kejriwal’s claims regarding a “mass genocide conspiracy” to be highly objectionable and misleading, expressing concern that such statements could create unwarranted fear among Delhi’s citizens.
