New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued a stern ultimatum to Aam Admi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal, demanding that he substantiate his alarming claims regarding the alleged poisoning of the Yamuna River by the Haryana government. In a notice dated January 28, 2025, the ECI has given Kejriwal until 8 PM on January 29 to provide evidence supporting his assertion that “poison” has been mixed into the water supply flowing to Delhi.
Kejriwal’s controversial statement emerged during a public meeting in Kalakaji, where he accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Haryana of deliberately contaminating the Yamuna with harmful substances. He claimed that this action was intended to harm the residents of Delhi and create chaos in the lead-up to the upcoming assembly elections scheduled for February 5. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader insisted that he would not allow the people of Delhi to suffer from “poisonous water,” emphasizing that public health is at stake.
The ECI’s notice comes in response to complaints lodged by both the BJP and Congress, who have labeled Kejriwal’s remarks as “dangerous” and potentially incendiary. The BJP delegation, which included prominent leaders such as Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, urged the ECI to take action against Kejriwal, arguing that his statements could incite public unrest and disrupt law and order. They called for a retraction of his claims and demanded an apology for allegedly creating panic among citizens.In its communication, the ECI cited various legal provisions that could lead to serious consequences for Kejriwal if he fails to provide adequate proof. These include sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning public mischief and promoting enmity among communities, which carry penalties of up to three years in prison. The Commission underscored the gravity of Kejriwal’s allegations, noting that they could have severe implications for national integration and public harmony.
Kejriwal has defended his statements despite these threats, asserting that he will not be intimidated by legal action or political pressure from Haryana’s leadership. He challenged Saini’s claims of potential defamation lawsuits, arguing that it is irresponsible for politicians to prioritize their interests over public health concerns.In a parallel development, Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has also criticized Kejriwal’s remarks as “highly objectionable,” suggesting they endanger national security. He urged Kejriwal to refrain from making misleading statements that could exacerbate tensions between states.
As the deadline set by the ECI approaches, political tensions are escalating in Delhi. The AAP has rallied behind Kejriwal, with party leaders asserting that they will continue to advocate for clean water access for all residents. They have also called on the Haryana government to address rising ammonia levels in the Yamuna, which have reportedly exceeded safe limits for drinking water treatment.
The outcome of this confrontation between Kejriwal and the Election Commission will be closely watched as it unfolds. With both parties entrenched in their positions, this issue is likely to dominate political discourse in the lead-up to the Delhi assembly elections. The implications of this dispute extend beyond mere electoral politics; they touch upon critical issues of environmental safety and public health that resonate deeply with voters.
In conclusion, Arvind Kejriwal faces a pivotal moment as he must now provide evidence for his explosive claims about water contamination ahead of an important electoral battle. The ECI’s demand underscores the seriousness with which such allegations are treated in India’s political landscape, especially during an election season marked by heightened scrutiny and accountability.
