Amit Shah Challenges Arvind Kejriwal Over Allegations of Poison in Yamuna Water

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has accused Arvind Kejriwal of making false claims about the Haryana government contaminating the Yamuna River. Shah challenged Kejriwal to release the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) report that allegedly supports these accusations. In response, the AAP stated that the DJB confirmed Kejriwal's claims and proposed a joint inspection of ammonia levels in the river by engineers from Haryana and Delhi under Election Commission supervision.

Addressing a gathering in Kalkaji, Shah questioned Kejriwal about the alleged poison mixed in the river. He urged Kejriwal to disclose any official orders he issued to prevent contaminated water from entering Delhi. Shah criticised Kejriwal for using scare tactics during elections, stating, "Kejriwal ji, winning and losing are part of the election process. Making an innocent face, you accused the Haryana government of mixing poison in the Yamuna and tried to scare the people of Delhi."

Ammonia Levels and Allegations

The AAP had previously accused Haryana's BJP government of deliberately releasing industrial waste into the Yamuna. However, DJB CEO Shilpa Shinde refuted these claims, describing them as factually incorrect and misleading. Shinde explained that ammonia levels naturally rise in winter due to reduced river flow and untreated waste mixing upstream. The AAP insisted that ammonia levels reached a dangerous 6.5 ppm, challenging BJP to verify this through a joint team.Shah also criticised AAP leaders for dishonesty, claiming no one surpasses Kejriwal in breaking promises. He asked attendees if they received poisonous water at home, asserting that DJB officials confirmed Kejriwal's falsehoods. "The AAP dispensation under Kejriwal's leadership is a government of lies, deceit, breach of promises and corruption," Shah charged.

Political Tensions with Congress

Shah also targeted Congress over its president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks on holy dips at Prayagraj's Ganga River. Kharge had questioned whether BJP leaders' publicised dips would alleviate poverty. Shah responded by highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives following his 2019 dip, including providing cooking gas and free foodgrains to millions.Shah urged Kharge not to mock the faith of those attending Prayagraj's Maha Kumbh for holy dips. He challenged Kharge to share his contributions to poverty alleviation, stating, "Kharge sahab, you have turned 80. In your entire life, you have never taken a dip. Tell us what you have done for the welfare of the poor."

Upcoming Elections and Development

Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with results announced on February 8. Shah encouraged voters to support BJP for Delhi's development under Modi's leadership. He criticised both AAP and Congress for failing Delhi and accused Kejriwal of using Covid-19 as an excuse for unmet promises.During the pandemic, Modi improved India's economy from 11th to fifth globally, according to Shah. He questioned how Kejriwal managed personal luxuries like building a 'sheesh mahal' amid alleged corruption scandals during this period. Shah also led roadshows in Kasturba Nagar and Badarpur constituencies to rally support for BJP candidates.