Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) founder Arvind Kejriwal has once again displayed his penchant for baseless accusations by claiming that the BJP-led Haryana government has poisoned the Yamuna River water flowing into Delhi, allegedly to harm residents of the national capital. Kejriwal referred to the high ammonia content in the water, reportedly exceeding 6%, as evidence of his claims. However, this is the same Kejriwal who had promised to clean up the Yamuna and take a ceremonial dip before the next assembly polls in 2025. Ironically, his party spokesperson Dr. Muni could not identify where the Yamuna enters New Delhi, making him a target of ridicule when confronted with facts with his BJP counterpart in TV debate. This outlandish accusation, made without a shred of evidence, reeks of desperation from a politician whose credibility is in shambles. Instead of approaching the Supreme Court with concrete proof, Kejriwal audaciously lodged his complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI), suggesting a deliberate attempt to politicize the matter. The ECI has given Kejriwal until 8 PM today to submit substantial evidence to support his allegations. What happens if Kejriwal’s government fails to provide such evidence? Will the ECI take action against him, and if so, what kind of action?
Even Congress leaders have joined the fray, labelling Kejriwal as the “worst corrupt” and self-declared anarchist politician and citing controversies such as the Delhi excise policy scam and the Sheesh Mahal episode. Kejriwal, in turn, deflected by bringing up Congress scandals like the National Herald case and Robert Vadra’s alleged improprieties. The gloves are off, with both AAP and Congress engaging in a bitter war of words, inadvertently paving the way for BJP to capitalize on the Delhi electorate’s disillusionment. Meanwhile, the Delhi Jal Board, which oversees the capital’s water supply, has denied any poisoning, yet AAP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Atishi, allege that the Modi government pressured the board into issuing the denial. The Haryana government, led by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has strongly refuted Kejriwal’s allegations, dismissing them as absurd. Poisoning a river that flows across multiple states and affects millions of people is logistically implausible. The sheer quantity of poison required to contaminate the Yamuna and affect Delhi’s water supply defies common sense. Moreover, water treatment plants, which purify water before distribution, would detect any contamination long before it reaches consumers. Kejriwal’s inability to provide technical evidence or details about the alleged poison further underscores the baselessness of his claims.
The Delhi government claims to prioritize a 24×7 supply of clean water, effective treatment of wastewater, and sustainable waste management. The Yamuna River is a primary source, supplying 172 litters per capita daily (LPCD) of water for domestic use, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 for “water and sanitation for all.” However, after nearly a decade in power, Kejriwal’s unfulfilled promises and serious graft charges, including the multi-crore Delhi excise scam, have eroded public trust. His accusations against Haryana appear to be a diversionary tactic to shift attention from his legal troubles and declining popularity. The timing—just days before the February 5 elections—further underscores its political agenda. It is ironic that Kejriwal, a native of Haryana, would accuse his home state of genocide. His statement that Haryana is conspiring to kill Delhi residents is inflammatory and designed to provoke fear and anger among voters. Such baseless accusations have no place in a functioning democracy. If Kejriwal genuinely believed in his claims, he would present evidence in court rather than turn the issue into an election spectacle. Haryana’s Chief Minister has rightly called out Kejriwal’s lies and should consider initiating legal action against him. It is high time that leaders who resort to baseless accusations are held accountable. Kejriwal’s unfounded allegations insult the intelligence of the electorate and undermine his party’s credibility. His strategy of creating sensational headlines without substance has backfired. The people of Delhi, once hopeful for his promises of clean governance, are now disillusioned. If Kejriwal fails to substantiate his claims with irrefutable evidence, he risks facing legal repercussions and a political rout in the upcoming elections. This episode serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of irresponsible leadership. Kejriwal’s accusations, lacking evidence and logic, reflect poorly on his judgment and character. The voters of Delhi deserve better than a leader who resorts to fearmongering and baseless allegations to save his political career. It is time to hold Arvind Kejriwal accountable and let the law take its course.