Atishi, Delhi Chief Minister, Criticizes Lt Governor in “Yamuna Poison” Dispute, Likens Him to Nadir Shah
The ongoing ‘water war’ between Delhi’s AAP and the BJP and Congress has intensified, with Chief Minister Atishi’s recent letter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena. The letter, which was sent Wednesday morning, warned the Lieutenant Governor not to be remembered in Delhi’s history as someone with “blood on their hands”. Atishi pointed out that the current ammonia level in the water is 700 per cent above the permissible limit, accusing Saxena of prioritizing loyalty to his political masters over the welfare of Delhi residents.
Atishi’s letter was a scathing two-page attack on the Lieutenant Governor, highlighting the strained relationship between the city’s elected government and the LG. She criticized Saxena for pursuing political interests instead of addressing the health risks associated with high ammonia levels in the water. The Chief Minister emphasized the dangers of such contamination, especially for vulnerable populations like young children and those with existing health conditions.
Responding to Saxena’s previous statements, Atishi accused him of manipulating reports and criticized the Delhi Jal Board chief for dismissing the claims as “factually incorrect” under pressure from the BJP. As of now, Saxena has not issued a response to Atishi’s letter, further escalating the tension between the two parties.
The ‘poison in the Yamuna’ narrative has taken center stage in the lead-up to the upcoming Assembly election in Delhi. The controversy began when Arvind Kejriwal made claims of water pollution in the Yamuna River supplied to Delhi by Haryana. Atishi followed suit by accusing the BJP of “water terrorism” and raising concerns about the safety of the water supply.
In response to these allegations, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini denied the claims and demanded an apology from Kejriwal and the AAP. The Congress, previously an ally but now a rival in the election, has also entered the fray by demanding action against Kejriwal and the BJP based on the outcome of the allegations.
The Election Commission has been approached by all three parties involved in the dispute. They have requested Kejriwal to provide evidence to support his claims, with a deadline set for 8 pm. Failure to substantiate the allegations could result in serious consequences for the parties involved, including potential legal action and reputational damage.
Amidst the political mudslinging and accusations, the issue of water pollution in Delhi has become a focal point in the election campaign. The outcome of this dispute could have far-reaching implications for the involved parties and the residents of Delhi who rely on the water supply for their daily needs. As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on the politicians and leaders involved in the ‘water war’ to see how they will address the pressing issue of water contamination in the capital city.