Delhi vs Haryana on Contaminated Water: AAP Intensifies Accusations; BJP Labels as 'Political Tactic'

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Delhi vs Haryana on Contaminated Water: AAP Intensifies Accusations; BJP Labels as 'Political Tactic'

Synopsis

Delhi CM Atishi has made serious allegations against the Haryana government for releasing untreated water into the Yamuna, disrupting Delhi's supply. This has resulted in widespread protests and counterclaims from Haryana officials, labeling the charges as political maneuvers.

Key Takeaways

  • Delhi CM Atishi blamed Haryana for untreated water discharge.
  • Haryana CM threatens defamation over allegations.
  • High ammonia levels in Yamuna affecting Delhi's water treatment.
  • AAP plans to approach Election Commission regarding the issue.
  • Political controversy intensifies with Congress joining the debate.

New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) During a press briefing, Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-governed Haryana administration of intentional and reckless discharge of untreated water into the Yamuna River, aimed at disrupting Delhi's water supply. This has sparked widespread reactions, including protests, demonstrations, and threats of defamation regarding the 'Yamuna poisoning' allegation.

The AAP, led by Arvind Kejriwal, has firmly reiterated its stance against the Haryana government's actions concerning toxic water release into the Yamuna River.

In her statements, CM Atishi emphasized that her administration plans to approach the Election Commission today to lodge a complaint against the BJP’s blatant efforts to manipulate the elections through contaminated water supply to the national capital.

The serious accusations made by the Delhi CM led to a political uproar, prompting Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini to threaten defamation over what he called groundless allegations.

Saini, addressing the media, stated, “Arvind Kejriwal must apologize for these unfounded claims or face a defamation lawsuit.”

The escalating controversy regarding the alleged pollution of the Yamuna River through industrial waste from Haryana arose when CM Atishi reported that dangerously high ammonia levels in the water supply from the Wazirabad barrage had nearly incapacitated three water treatment facilities in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the AAP leader held a press conference earlier today, stating that CM Atishi and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann will meet with the Election Commission later to discuss the issue with the electoral body.

In response to Haryana CM’s defamation threat, Kejriwal remarked, “You have already imprisoned me. Do you intend to execute me? I will not permit dirty water to reach the residents of Delhi. Haryana must cease the discharge of contaminated water.”

Several Haryana ministers have dismissed Kejriwal’s assertions as unfounded and unproven, labeling it a political stunt ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

Anil Vij, a prominent BJP leader and Haryana's transport minister, accused Kejriwal and the Delhi government of creating unnecessary controversy with their baseless claims.

“The AAP government has been running Delhi for a decade. They have failed to cleanse the Yamuna River but continue to blame others for their own failures,” he remarked.

He urged the AAP government to conduct a reality check on Delhi’s water quality, suggesting that laboratory tests would reveal the truth.

Ranbir Gangwa, another minister in Haryana’s Cabinet, criticized the Delhi government, saying, “Kejriwal and his team are shifting blame to avoid accountability for their own shortcomings.”

Rejecting the AAP's accusations, he told the press, “We have consistently met Delhi’s water requirements. We have always responded to their demands for water.”

Krishan Lal Middha, the Haryana Assembly Speaker, also objected to the poisoning allegations, stating that the AAP is resorting to such tactics due to their anxiety and nervousness ahead of the Delhi elections.

“The AAP fears a defeat in the forthcoming elections. They lack ways to persuade the electorate about their achievements. They have misled the public in the past as well. This is yet another attempt to deceive the people and gain their support,” he commented.

The ongoing political blame game over the supply of contaminated water to Delhi took on a new dimension as the Congress party also entered the fray. Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit expressed surprise that Haryana police had not taken action against AAP leaders for such obvious falsehoods.