Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini Dismisses AAP's Yamuna Poisoning Claims and Calls for Kejriwal's Apology

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini dismissed allegations from Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that the state's ruling BJP is polluting the Yamuna River with industrial waste. Saini criticised AAP's national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of making baseless claims. The accusations came after AAP alleged that Haryana's BJP was deliberately contaminating the river, which supplies water to Delhi.

Saini demanded an apology from Kejriwal to the people of Haryana and Delhi, threatening legal action otherwise. "Kejriwal has a habit of levelling baseless allegations and then run away. Ek kahawat hai -- thukoo aur bagho," Saini remarked, implying that Kejriwal makes accusations and then avoids accountability.

Haryana's Response to Allegations

The Haryana government issued a statement quoting Saini, emphasising that the people of Haryana revere the Yamuna as a sacred river. "People of Haryana consider Yamuna a holy river and worship it. Why would they mix poison in the river?" he questioned. Saini also suggested that Kejriwal's comments were driven by fear of losing in Delhi's upcoming Assembly elections.

The BJP in Haryana criticised Kejriwal's claims about poisoning the Yamuna, describing them as politically motivated. They accused him of exploiting these allegations for electoral gain in Delhi. In a post on X, they labelled Kejriwal as "the Kaliya Naag of Kalyug" and accused him of betraying his roots in Haryana for political advantage.

Water Supply Dispute

Saini further challenged AAP's claims about water quality, inviting Delhi officials to inspect the water supplied from Sonipat. He stated there is no water shortage from Haryana's side and blamed AAP for mismanagement in Delhi. "There is no shortage. If there is deficiency, it is in their will... Their water distribution is not proper," he asserted.

For a decade, according to Saini, Kejriwal has failed to ensure proper water distribution in Delhi. Despite promises of free water, residents still lack access to clean water due to AAP's governance issues. Saini accused Kejriwal of failing to develop an effective system for water distribution.

Political Accusations Intensify

Saini accused AAP of diverting 28 drains into the Yamuna and urged Kejriwal to focus on fulfilling his promises instead of making accusations. He warned that Delhi voters would hold Kejriwal accountable for unfulfilled promises regarding clean water and river cleaning in upcoming elections.

The BJP in Haryana reiterated that no true Haryanvi would pollute the Yamuna. They compared Kejriwal to Kaliya Naag from Hindu mythology, who was subdued by Lord Krishna for poisoning the Yamuna. They predicted that Delhi voters would similarly reject Kejriwal in the elections.

Kejriwal's Counterclaims

Meanwhile, Atishi from AAP accused BJP of disrupting Delhi's water supply due to anticipated electoral losses. Kejriwal alleged that BJP was keeping Delhi residents thirsty through political manoeuvres. He claimed that Haryana's BJP was sending poisoned water to Delhi, endangering lives.

Kejriwal expressed concern over the safety of Delhiites, stating that contaminated water could not be purified even at treatment plants. He warned that many areas had to halt water supply for safety reasons due to this alleged contamination.

The ongoing dispute between Haryana and Delhi highlights significant political tensions as both sides prepare for upcoming elections. The exchange underscores deep-rooted issues concerning water management and political accountability between the two states.