New developments from Delhi reveal a city in turmoil due to a worsening water crisis. Residents are deeply concerned, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has turned the issue into a political battleground. Water Minister Atishi Marlena has intensified the situation by alleging a plot to cut off the city’s water supply, prompting her to write to the Delhi Police Commissioner for assistance.
Charges from BJP Leader Kapil Mishra
BJP leader Kapil Mishra has made serious allegations, claiming that the water crisis primarily affects Hindu-majority areas while sparing Muslim-majority areas. Mishra highlighted that areas in Old Delhi such as Seelampur, Okhla, Jaffrabad, and Jama Masjid are not facing water shortages. He accused the Delhi government of religious bias in water distribution and alleged that the government increased water supply to Muslim areas in preparation for Bakri Eid. Mishra demanded an immediate stop to these practices, asserting that water is being diverted from Hindu areas to Muslim areas as a form of political retribution for Hindu support of Prime Minister Modi in the Lok Sabha elections.
Delhi Water Minister’s Response
In response to these claims, Water Minister Atishi Marlena has shifted the blame to other states and parties, attempting to deflect criticism from AAP’s governance. Critics argue that Marlena’s request for the Delhi Police to protect water pipelines from tampering should fall under the responsibility of the Delhi Jal Board. Despite being in power for ten years, the AAP government has repeatedly failed to address the ongoing water crisis.
Claims of Corruption and a Rising Water Mafia
The water crisis is further complicated by the rise of water mafias. Congress President Devendra Yadav has accused AAP of involvement in a massive Rs 17,575 crore tanker mafia scam. Despite these serious allegations, there remains hope for a resolution to the water crisis.
Urgent Need for a Sustainable Solution While the people of Delhi continue to suffer, political parties engage in a blame game, with accusations of mismanagement, corruption, and religious bias. The Delhi Jal Board, which made a profit of Rs 600 crores in 2013, now faces a loss of Rs 73,000 crores in 2024 under AAP’s leadership. In this critical situation, an effective and sustainable solution to Delhi’s water crisis is urgently needed. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who claims to run a successful government, faces increasing criticism as various departments of the Delhi government report significant losses. If this trend continues, it could lead to anarchy in the state. The perceived failure of the “Freebie” model is likely to significantly impact the upcoming elections.