New Delhi – The artificial Yamuna row has emerged as the latest flashpoint in Delhi’s political landscape, with the Aam Aadmi Party and Bharatiya Janata Party engaging in a bitter war of words over Chhath Puja preparations. The controversy centers on allegations that filtered water has been used to create a cleaner section of the river at Vasudev Ghat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to participate in the traditional festivities.
This artificial Yamuna row has exposed deep political divisions as both parties compete for the support of Delhi’s significant Purvanchali community, estimated at four million residents, who celebrate Chhath Puja with great devotion.
AAP’s Allegations of “Fake Yamuna” Construction
At the heart of the artificial Yamuna row are serious accusations made by AAP Delhi head Saurabh Bhardwaj during a press conference. He alleged that the BJP-led Delhi government had constructed what he termed a “fake Yamuna” by secretly filling a small stream at Vasudev Ghat with filtered water sourced from the Wazirabad Water Treatment Plant, which typically supplies the capital’s drinking water.
Bhardwaj claimed that this artificial Yamuna row was designed to stage “another drama” before Delhi’s residents and the nation. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a dip in that filtered-water Yamuna to fool the people of Delhi, Bihar and Purvanchal, and to show that the BJP has cleaned the Yamuna,” he stated, questioning the authenticity of the government’s river cleaning efforts.
The artificial Yamuna row intensified when AAP released video evidence allegedly showing the stark contrast between the clean water at Vasudev Ghat and the polluted conditions at other ghats along the river.
Health and Safety Concerns Raised
The artificial Yamuna row extends beyond political posturing to encompass genuine public health concerns. AAP highlighted that while one section may have filtered water, other ghats continue to have highly polluted water with dangerous faecal coliform levels, potentially exposing devotees to serious health risks during their religious observances.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal amplified the artificial Yamuna row by posting on social media that “the BJP has made a mockery of the deep religious sentiments attached to Chhath Parv in Delhi.” Leader of Opposition Atishi characterized the situation as “outright discrimination,” suggesting that ordinary devotees would not receive the same quality arrangements as those prepared for the Prime Minister’s visit.
BJP’s Counterarguments and Defense
Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva strongly rejected the artificial Yamuna row allegations, turning the accusations back on AAP by highlighting their governance record. He accused the former AAP government of banning Chhath Puja celebrations on Yamuna banks between 2018 and 2024, questioning why AAP now objects to cleanliness initiatives.
Addressing the artificial Yamuna row, Sachdeva described it as “the first-ever political drama in which an opposition leader raised objections against the government’s efforts to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.” He emphasized that the BJP government had completed basic cleaning of the Yamuna within eight months and made natural ghats available for devotees to celebrate their festival.
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Questions Over Previous Administration’s Policies
The artificial Yamuna row prompted Sachdeva to pose direct questions to AAP leadership regarding their previous governance decisions. He specifically asked on what administrative basis AAP had imposed a ban on Chhath Puja celebrations at Yamuna banks during their tenure, and why they now object to the current government’s sanitation and clean water initiatives at the river ghats.
Sachdeva further stated that while opposition parties nationwide typically criticize lack of development or unclean religious sites, the artificial Yamuna row represents an unprecedented instance of an opposition party protesting against cleanliness efforts themselves.
The Purvanchali Vote Bank Factor
The artificial Yamuna row cannot be separated from its political context, particularly the competition for Purvanchali community support. This demographic, comprising approximately four million residents in Delhi, has emerged as a crucial vote base in recent elections. Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and religious significance for this community, making any controversy surrounding the festival politically sensitive.
Both parties recognize that their handling of the artificial Yamuna row and Chhath Puja arrangements could significantly impact their electoral prospects among this influential voter bloc.
Technical Aspects of River Management
The artificial Yamuna row has also brought attention to technical aspects of river management and water treatment. AAP accused the BJP government of using “defoamer solutions,” a practice they claim the BJP had previously opposed while in opposition. This highlights the complexity of maintaining water quality standards for religious ceremonies while managing a heavily polluted urban river.
The artificial Yamuna row underscores broader challenges Delhi faces in balancing environmental management, religious accommodations, and political considerations.
Implications for Governance and Public Trust
Beyond immediate political gains, the artificial Yamuna row raises important questions about governance transparency and public trust. Whether the allegations prove accurate or not, the controversy highlights the need for clear communication about environmental management practices and religious event preparations. As both parties continue their verbal sparring over the artificial Yamuna row, Delhi’s residents and devotees await clarity on the actual conditions at various ghats and the authenticity of cleaning efforts undertaken for this important religious festival.
