AAP and BJP Dispute Chhath Ghat Setup in South Delhi Amid Political Tensions

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are in a dispute over establishing a Chhath ghat in south Delhi. Chief Minister Atishi criticised the BJP, accusing them of obstructing the setup at Satpula Ground in Chirag Delhi. Atishi claimed on X that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), under BJP influence, is hindering the process, stating such political tactics won't be tolerated.

Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, who is also the local MLA from Greater Kailash, visited the site. He alleged that the BJP-controlled DDA is preventing Purvanchali people from setting up the ghat. Bharadwaj staged a protest, accusing the BJP of using the DDA and Delhi Police to block access to an eight-year-old Chhath Puja site in Chirag Delhi.

Political Tensions Over Chhath Ghat Setup

Bharadwaj shared a video on X where a man claimed they were denied permission to set up the ghat despite having approval from the deputy commissioner. Meanwhile, a DDA official mentioned that a 6,000-square-metre area at Satpula lake has been allocated for Chhath Puja. The BJP countered Bharadwaj's claims, accusing him and AAP workers of obstructing the ghat's setup.

BJP leader Shikha Rai alleged that residents of Greater Kailash were stopped by Bharadwaj's men while trying to clean the Chhath Puja site at Satpula DDA Park. She claimed AAP workers threatened and pressured both residents and BJP workers to leave. Rai stated that Chhath Puja has been celebrated at this park for 16 years with enthusiasm.

Chhath Festival's Significance and Political Implications

The Purvanchalis, who are Bhojpuri-speaking people from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand settled in Delhi, form an influential vote bank. They account for 30 to 40 per cent of approximately 1.5 crore votes in Delhi. The AAP and BJP have been engaged in a heated exchange ahead of next year's Delhi Assembly elections over various issues, including air pollution and Chhath preparations.

Chhath festival occurs six days after Diwali. During this festival, women fast and offer arghya of cow milk and Gangajal to the Sun god while standing knee-deep in water. Rai accused AAP workers of occupying the designated area days before the festival and imposing arbitrary conditions on arrangements.

Rai further alleged that when she and other Chhath committee members arrived to dig up the ghat, Bharadwaj's brother and his associates attempted to stop them. This ongoing conflict highlights the political tensions between AAP and BJP as they vie for influence among Purvanchali voters in Delhi.