Arvind Kejriwal Responds to EC, Accuses Haryana Govt. of Poisoning Yamuna
Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), today doubled down on his party’s accusations that the BJP-led Haryana government deliberately polluted the Yamuna River in an attempt to influence the Delhi elections. He also criticized the Election Commission (EC) for focusing on him instead of taking action against the Haryana government, which he claims is responsible for the alleged poisoning of the river.
His Responses to EC
Kejriwal visited the Election Commission office in Delhi to respond to five questions raised by the EC concerning the AAP’s accusations. In his letter to the EC, Kejriwal reiterated earlier statements made by himself and Delhi’s Education Minister Atishi, who had raised concerns about the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna, which flows from Haryana to Delhi. The Yamuna is a vital source of drinking water for the national capital, and Kejriwal’s concerns were centered on its contamination.
The AAP chief argued that the presence of high ammonia levels in the river indicated a “deliberate conspiracy” by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, a BJP leader. According to Kejriwal, Saini’s actions were designed to create an artificial water scarcity in Delhi, which could be blamed on the AAP government ahead of the elections. Kejriwal called for a criminal case to be filed against Saini, accusing him of intentionally polluting the river to influence the electoral outcome.
Kejriwal expressed his shock at the Election Commission’s decision to focus on him, instead of taking action against Haryana’s Chief Minister or the BJP government involved in what he described as “corrupt practices.” He warned that if the EC failed to act against those responsible for the alleged pollution, it would send a message that the Commission was prioritizing the interests of the ruling party over the public good. In his letter, Kejriwal further criticized the EC for its “alacrity” in responding to him, while not holding the Haryana government accountable for its actions.
Kejriwal’s strong defense
The AAP leader emphasized that his primary concern was the health and safety of Delhi’s residents, and he vowed to continue fighting for the protection of democratic principles. He also stated that he was prepared to face any “illegal punishment” the EC might impose on him in connection with the ongoing dispute.
Kejriwal’s letter also highlighted an incident where Delhi’s Chief Minister Atishi had contacted Saini to raise concerns about the rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna. However, according to Kejriwal, Saini not only failed to take any action but eventually stopped responding to her calls.
The two parties are facing off in a direct contest, with AAP having dominated the Delhi assembly elections for the past decade. Meanwhile, the BJP has seen success in the last two Lok Sabha elections, making this election particularly crucial for both parties.
As the dispute over the Yamuna waters continues, it remains to be seen how the Election Commission and the Haryana government will respond to the allegations and whether this issue will have any impact on the upcoming elections in Delhi.
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