Days before Chhath Puja, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Chief Whip Sanjeev Jha exposed CM Rekha Gupta’s hollow claims on cleaning the Yamuna. During his visit to Kalindi Kunj on Monday, he found thick layers of foam still floating on the river despite continuous chemical spraying, calling it proof of the BJP government’s false propaganda. He questioned whether it was safe for devotees to stand in such poisonous water and asked if the Chief Minister could drink a glass of it to prove the river was clean.
Senior AAP leader and Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha stated, “CM Rekha Gupta came here, made tall claims, and left. Before her arrival, fogging had already been done, just like a film set prepared before shooting. The Chief Minister only came to act, but the river is still covered with thick foam. Even with around 20–25 boats spraying chemicals, the foam is visible everywhere.”
“When the BJP formed the government in Delhi, its leaders said they would eliminate pollution within six months. They must now explain why there is still foam on the water. It has been nine months since their government was formed, yet not a single concrete attempt has been made to reduce pollution. Can pollution be eradicated just by spraying chemicals and trying to suppress or hide the foam,” he asked.
Challenging the government’s claims, Sanjeev Jha added, “If CM Rekha Gupta and her cabinet believe pollution has ended, they should come to Kalindi Kunj and drink a glass of Yamuna water. It will immediately reveal whether the water is clean or not. During Chhath Puja, women and devotees will be forced to stand in this dirty water.”
He recalled that every year, BJP leaders used to make videos showing how filthy the Yamuna was and questioned how Chhath could be performed. Now that the BJP is in power, what steps have they taken? Merely saying ‘Chhath dhoom-dhaam se manaenge’ is not enough. If devotees stand in polluted water, it endangers their health.
Questioning the BJP government’s efforts, Sanjeev Jha further added, “CM Rekha Gupta should tell the people of Delhi what meaningful steps, apart from these theatrics, have been taken to actually reduce pollution in the Yamuna. The amount of chemicals being used must also be regulated. Experts should clarify whether excessive chemical use will harm aquatic life. Rekha Gupta must understand that hiding or suppressing the foam will not remove pollution. If genuine efforts have been made, she should present them before the people.”
Sanjeev Jha said, “The Yamuna will not be cleaned by serving lies and misleading Delhiites. It needs sincere efforts, not deceit. The BJP now has a four-engine government—its government in Delhi, the Lieutenant Governor, the Centre, and the MCD. Where are they all hiding now? Why don’t they clean the Yamuna? Earlier, they used to lecture the Aam Aadmi Party government—where has that wisdom gone now? The Lieutenant Governor should visit the site with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and explain how the Yamuna will be cleaned so that devotees can perform Chhath Puja safely. The Chief Minister and her cabinet must answer to the people for this.”
