The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday held a fierce protest against the BJP government’s decision to block Chhath Puja at Delhi’s Kondli Ghat, calling it an insult to the Purvanchali community and a direct assault on their faith and identity. Senior AAP leaders and MLAs Sanjeev Jha and Kuldeep Kumar joined local residents at the ghat, demanding that water be released into the canal immediately so that devotees could perform the traditional puja.
Sanjeev Jha said the Kondli Ghat has been a site of Chhath celebrations for years and holds deep cultural and emotional significance. “This is not merely a matter of faith — it is about tradition and identity,” he said, questioning, “The District Magistrate (DM) has approved the ghat, the tender for arrangements has been passed — so under whose orders has the puja been stopped? Will the faith of Purvanchali people now be sacrificed at the altar of politics?”
Senior AAP leader and Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha asked, “Does the BJP consider the people of Purvanchal second-class citizens in Delhi?” He said, “Chhath is not just a ritual, it is our unwavering devotion to Maa Chhathi Maiya. If the government wants to stop it, we will defend our rights and faith peacefully but firmly. The administration must honour its commitment and ensure all arrangements for the puja.”
He pointed out that the canal from Kondli to Yamuna Ji has hosted Chhath Puja for years. “Since 2013, during AAP’s government in Delhi, we have been coming here regularly for the puja. The tender for arrangements was passed, and the District Magistrate had authorised this site. Yet, the puja is being stopped. The people of Purvanchal are here today — it’s Kharna, an auspicious day of the festival,” he said.
Sanjeev Jha further revealed, “Minister Kapil Mishra came here and said that even if water is released from the UP canal, he will not allow Chhath Puja to happen here. Under whose orders is Kapil Mishra acting? What grudge does he hold against the people of Purvanchal? What problem does he have with them? Kapil Mishra is toying with the faith of millions by obstructing one of Purvanchal’s most sacred festivals.”
He added, “The BJP claims in Bihar that it respects the people of Purvanchal. What kind of respect is this? The people of Bihar will teach the BJP a lesson in the upcoming elections. If the BJP thinks it can stop Chhath Puja here, it is mistaken — the people of Purvanchal will perform the puja, no matter what. The BJP cannot stop Chhath.”
Sanjeev Jha further added, “The BJP treats Purvanchalis as second-class citizens. These are the same Purvanchali people whom BJP leaders once called infiltrators. But the Purvanchal community will show the BJP its true place. It is these very people who voted the BJP into power, and now, intoxicated by authority, the party is showing arrogance.”
He said, “MLA Kuldeep Kumar attended a meeting with the District Magistrate, who assured that all arrangements — from cleanliness to tents — would be completed. Then under whose orders did Kapil Mishra declare that puja cannot be held here? The Aam Aadmi Party strongly condemns this. We demand that arrangements for Chhath Puja at the Kondli-Yamuna canal be made immediately. Otherwise, the people of Purvanchal will boycott the government’s orders and perform the puja right here.”
During the protest, Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar said, “Every year, Purvanchali brothers and sisters celebrate Chhath Puja at the Kondli-Yamuna canal. But for the first time, despite all preparations being completed, BJP minister Kapil Mishra has said he will not allow water to reach this canal. What hatred does the BJP have towards the people of Purvanchal?”
Issuing a warning to Kapil Mishra, he said, “Purvanchali brothers and sisters will not forgive this behaviour. If water is not released into the canal soon, a massive protest will erupt. The people of Purvanchal and Maa Chhathi Maiya will never forgive Kapil Mishra for blocking the flow of water from Uttar Pradesh. His actions are a curse upon him. The BJP must stop playing dirty politics over Chhath Puja and immediately release water into the Kondli canal.”
