Election Commission Demands Evidence from Arvind Kejriwal on Yamuna Poisoning Allegations
The Election Commission has issued a notice to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal, requesting substantiation for his recent claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Haryana government deliberately contaminated the Yamuna River, thereby endangering Delhi’s water supply. The Commission has asked Kejriwal to provide “evidentiary support” for his allegations by 8 PM on January 29, 2025.
This action follows official complaints lodged by both the BJP and the Congress, challenging the veracity of Kejriwal’s statements. In its notice, the Election Commission referenced a report from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), which did not indicate any instances of poisoning in the Yamuna. The notice emphasized the absence of any mention that DJB engineers had intercepted contaminated water at Delhi’s border before it could affect the river.
The Commission also acknowledged receipt of a joint letter from the Chief Ministers of Delhi and Punjab, alleging a deliberate act of “water terrorism” due to a sudden increase in ammonia levels in the water released by Haryana into the Yamuna. This surge purportedly rendered the water untreatable.
In response to these developments, Union Home Minister and BJP leader Amit Shah criticized Kejriwal for his accusations against the Haryana government. Shah challenged Kejriwal to disclose the DJB report that purportedly supports his claims and questioned the basis of the allegations. He emphasized that political competition should not lead to fear-mongering among the public.
The Election Commission’s notice underscores the expectation that any allegations, especially those contested for their veracity, should be grounded in factual evidence. The Commission is currently examining the matter in light of the Model Code of Conduct and relevant legal provisions, awaiting Kejriwal’s response to determine appropriate action.
