
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal has submitted a detailed reply to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding his recent remarks on the alleged contamination of the Yamuna River by the Haryana government. The ECI had sought an explanation from Kejriwal, questioning whether his statements violated the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the Delhi elections. In his response, Kejriwal stood by his comments, stating that they were focused on the alarming levels of ammonia in Delhi’s water supply and the potential health risks to millions of residents.
Kejriwal explained that the ammonia levels in water supplied from Haryana had surged to 7 ppm (parts per million) in January 2025, far exceeding the safe limit of 0.5 ppm. This spike not only threatened public health but also disrupted Delhi’s water treatment plants, leaving many areas facing acute water shortages. He stressed that his statements were rooted in factual evidence and aimed at addressing a pressing public health crisis, rather than making political allegations.
The Delhi CM revealed that he, along with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, had made multiple attempts to resolve the issue with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. Despite initial assurances, no action was taken, and Khattar eventually stopped responding to their calls. Kejriwal accused the BJP-led Haryana government of deliberately allowing the contamination to create artificial water scarcity in Delhi, a move he believes was intended to undermine the AAP government and influence the upcoming elections.
On January 27, 2025, Kejriwal echoed Delhi Minister Ms. Atishi’s concerns in a tweet, accusing the BJP of “poisoning Delhi’s water supply” and putting millions of lives at risk. He reiterated that his remarks were based on verified data and were meant to highlight the gravity of the situation. Kejriwal urged the Election Commission to hold the Haryana government accountable, warning that ignoring such actions could set a dangerous precedent, allowing water to be weaponized for political gains in future elections.
In his reply, Kejriwal provided supporting documents, including a report from the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) CEO, which detailed the ammonia levels and their impact on water treatment facilities. He expressed disappointment that the ECI had not taken any action against the Haryana government, calling it a one-sided approach that unfairly targeted him.
The controversy has sparked a broader debate about inter-state water disputes and the ethical responsibilities of governments. It also raises questions about the Election Commission’s role in ensuring a level playing field during elections. As the ECI reviews Kejriwal’s response, the outcome could have far-reaching implications, not just for the Delhi elections but also for how such disputes are handled in the future.