Election Commission Asks Arvind Kejriwal for More Proof on Yamuna Poisoning Claim
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal more time to provide proof for his statement about the Yamuna River being poisoned. He now has until Friday, January 31, 2025, to submit factual evidence. The ECI also told him not to confuse the issue of high ammonia levels with the serious claim that the river was deliberately poisoned.
Election Commission Wants Clear Evidence
The ECI had first sent a notice to Arvind Kejriwal on January 27, asking him to explain his remarks. He responded on January 28, but the commission was not satisfied with his reply. Now, he has been given an extension until 11 a.m. on January 31 to provide clear evidence.
What the Election Commission Demands:
- Detailed Proof – Kejriwal must show specific facts about the alleged poisoning, including what type of poison was used, in what quantity, and how it was detected.
- Expert Reports – The commission has asked for information on which engineers from the Delhi Jal Board tested the water and what methods they used.
- Clarification on Ammonia Issue – The ECI has warned him not to mix up the ammonia contamination issue with his poisoning allegations.
The commission also stated that ensuring clean water for the public is a governance issue and should not be turned into a political matter during elections.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Response to the Allegations
Kejriwal has strongly defended his claim that the water Delhi received from Haryana was highly polluted. He stated that this “toxic water” could be harmful to people’s health and accused the Haryana government, led by the BJP, of contaminating the Yamuna River.
Key Points from Kejriwal’s Response:
- Serious Health Risk – He claimed that the water supplied to Delhi was “extremely poisonous” and unsafe for consumption.
- Blames Haryana Government – He accused the BJP-led Haryana government of being responsible for the pollution.
- Calls for Action – Kejriwal demanded immediate steps to clean the river and ensure safe drinking water for Delhi residents.
Meanwhile, the Haryana Chief Minister denied these allegations and even drank Yamuna water in front of the media to prove that it was safe.
Political Reactions to the Yamuna Poisoning Claim
The statement by Kejriwal has caused a major political debate. While AAP leaders have supported their chief, opposition leaders have criticized him for spreading fear.
Different Reactions to the Controversy:
- BJP’s Response: The ruling party called Kejriwal’s claim a “political stunt” and accused him of misleading the people before elections.
- Congress Reaction: Congress leaders have demanded a neutral investigation into the water quality issue.
- Public Concerns: Many Delhi residents are now worried about the safety of their drinking water, increasing pressure on the authorities to take action.
The issue has become a major topic in the Delhi Assembly elections, with both AAP and BJP using it to gain voter support. News channels like TV9 Marathi and other media platforms have been actively covering this controversy.
ECI’s Stand on Water and Elections
The Election Commission has made it clear that issues like water quality should be handled by governments, not used as political tools during elections.
ECI’s Position:
- Governments Must Handle Water Safety – The ECI said clean drinking water is an important issue that authorities should always work on.
- Avoid Election Conflicts – The commission does not want to interfere in long-term issues like water-sharing during election time.
- Legal Guidelines Exist – The Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal already have rules on water management, and these should be followed.
Despite these guidelines, the issue has turned into a major election debate, and the final decision by the ECI could impact the upcoming polls.
The controversy over Arvind Kejriwal’s Yamuna poisoning claim has sparked a heated debate just before the Delhi Assembly elections. While Kejriwal insists that the water is dangerously toxic, the Election Commission has asked for solid proof. Political parties continue to use the issue to their advantage, making it a crucial topic for voters. With the deadline set for January 31, all eyes are now on Kejriwal’s response and the ECI’s next move.
