Gripped by a worsening water crisis, women across Delhi are now pouring onto the streets in anger—forced to protest as taps run dry and households struggle for a basic necessity. In Rajinder Nagar, furious residents led by AAP’s women’s wing staged a matka phod demonstration, pointing out that the BJP-led government has plunged the capital into a full-blown water emergency.
“From posh colonies to village settlements, water supply is scarce and what little reaches homes is filthy,” said Delhi president of AAP’s women’s wing Sarika Chaudhary, slamming the BJP for failing to deliver even clean drinking water despite grand promises. “At least under Arvind Kejriwal, we got clean water and uninterrupted power,” echoed the protesting women—drawing a sharp contrast between the current regime and the AAP government they say they now miss.
AAP Delhi Mahila Morcha President Sarika Chaudharysaid, “These pots were broken today to express the rage and helplessness of people across Delhi, especially in Rajinder Nagar. From upscale colonies to rural belts, water supply is either missing or available for an extremely short duration. In Naraina village, the water that is supplied is filthy and undrinkable — it appears to be sewer water.”
She added that access to clean water is a fundamental right and a basic necessity for every individual, yet the BJP government has failed to fulfil even this most essential duty. “If this is the situation before peak summer months, what will happen in July and August? The people of Delhi will be pushed to the brink,” Sarika Chaudhary said.
Residents who participated in the protest painted a grim picture of everyday life under the BJP administration. One woman said, “AAP’s government had ensured reliable access to water, electricity, and mohalla clinics. Everything functioned smoothly. But today, under BJP’s rule, nothing works — Delhi has come to a standstill.”
Another protestor added, “Ever since the BJP took over, many areas receive either no water or highly contaminated water, making children fall ill. Under Arvind Kejriwal’s government, we got clean water on time. Now, sewer water flows in our taps, and the roads are flooded due to open drains. We miss Kejriwal’s governance — he must return.”
The women further said that their repeated pleas to the local BJP MLA have fallen on deaf ears. “We visit his office, but he refuses to meet us. He has no interest in solving our problems. The public is weeping now. At least under the AAP government, we had clean water and MLAs who listened to us.”
The protestors slammed the BJP for promoting the tanker mafia, deepening the inequality in access to water. “Now, only those who have money can buy tankers. What about those who can’t afford them? The BJP is punishing the poor for being poor.”
They also criticised the BJP for betraying voters: “This is the same public that voted the BJP into power, misled by big promises. But within just four months, the BJP government has brought Delhi to tears. Even basic facilities are not being delivered. In Naraina, water comes for just 15 minutes now — and it’s dirty. The same is true in Inderpuri. What is the BJP doing?”
The women warned that the BJP’s failure extends beyond water. “Now even electricity is unreliable. Government hospitals aren’t functioning properly. People are remembering Arvind Kejriwal’s tenure — 24-hour electricity, clean water, quality healthcare, mohalla clinics, and free bus travel. In just four months, Delhi is suffering. There are still five years to go. The same people who lift politicians to power can bring them crashing down.”
Explaining the motivation behind the protest, the women said, “Women gather like this only when pushed to the edge. Water is the most basic requirement — we cannot cook, clean, or take care of our families without it. In Naraina, the crisis is so severe that we had no choice but to break pots in protest. We can’t even wash clothes for days. The hopes we had from the BJP have all been shattered.”
They also pointed out the local MLA’s abusive behavior. “He behaves like a goon instead of a public servant. Just last Tuesday at Mangal Bazaar, he slapped street vendors. The same public had once welcomed him with flowers — but if this continues, he’ll be greeted with slippers.”
The Aam Aadmi Party calls on the BJP-led administration in Delhi to take immediate action to restore regular and clean water supply, address the dominance of the tanker mafia, and ensure that elected representatives remain accountable and responsive to the public.