KKN Gurugram Desk | A major political controversy has erupted ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), seeking action against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal over his recent “poison in Yamuna” remark. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of spreading misinformation, creating public panic, and violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Union ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman and Bhupendra Yadav, along with Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, met ECI officials on Tuesday, demanding that the AAP supremo be barred from election campaigning and forced to issue a public apology for his statement.

The political battle between BJP and AAP is intensifying as Kejriwal stands firm on his claims, while the BJP insists on legal proceedings under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Disaster Management Act.

BJP’s Allegations Against Arvind Kejriwal: Misinformation & Public Unrest

The controversy began when Arvind Kejriwal alleged that BJP had mixed poison in the Yamuna river—the primary water source for Delhi. The AAP chief’s remark has drawn sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who have labeled the statement as false, inflammatory, and a potential cause for public unrest.

The BJP delegation, led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, strongly opposed Kejriwal’s claim, calling it an irresponsible and dangerous assertion.

Key demands of BJP before the Election Commission:

1. Immediate action against Kejriwal for allegedly spreading misinformation.
2. A public retraction and apology from the AAP leader.
3. Barring Kejriwal from election campaigning for violating the Model Code of Conduct.
4. Legal proceedings under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Disaster Management Act.

Sitharaman slammed Kejriwal for spreading fear among Delhi residents, warning that his “irresponsible claims” could lead to panic. She stated:

“Arvind Kejriwal’s statement is dangerous for India’s federal structure and democracy. His false allegations have created fear among Delhi’s citizens. He is a self-proclaimed anarchist who thrives on misinformation and chaos.”

Kejriwal Defends His Claim, BJP Calls It a Political Stunt

Despite BJP’s criticism, Arvind Kejriwal remains defiant, standing by his statement. On Monday, ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections, Kejriwal accused the BJP of deliberately contaminating the Yamuna River, which supplies water to millions of Delhi residents.

When asked about legal threats from Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, Kejriwal dismissed them, saying he was not afraid and would continue to expose BJP’s alleged misdeeds.

Key Points from Kejriwal’s Stand:

• Claims BJP is responsible for poor water quality in Delhi.
• Accuses BJP-ruled Haryana of polluting the Yamuna River.
• Rejects BJP’s demands for an apology.
• Challenges legal threats, stating he will not be silenced.

In response to the controversy, AAP leaders have argued that Delhi’s water quality is deteriorating due to industrial waste and mismanagement by BJP-led states. However, BJP leaders believe Kejriwal’s statement is a deliberate political stunt to gain sympathy before elections.

Why Is BJP Seeking Legal Action?

BJP leaders have asserted that Kejriwal’s claims violate the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct, which prohibits false allegations and inflammatory remarks during the election period.

Potential Legal Consequences Kejriwal May Face:

• Filing of an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Indian Penal Code equivalent).
• Action under the Disaster Management Act for allegedly creating unnecessary panic.
• Defamation case for falsely accusing BJP without evidence.
• Potential disqualification from election campaigning.

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has also indicated that his government may take independent legal action against Kejriwal for maligning the BJP’s image.

Political Impact of the Controversy on Delhi Elections 2025

With the Delhi Assembly Elections approaching, the political battle between BJP and AAP has intensified. This controversy could have a major impact on voter sentiment, particularly regarding issues of water quality, pollution, and governance.

Possible Electoral Consequences:

• AAP could gain sympathy votes if Kejriwal presents himself as a victim of BJP’s political attacks.
• BJP could benefit if the Election Commission takes strict action, showing that AAP is violating rules.
• The controversy could divert focus from core issues like governance, education, and infrastructure.
• Congress and other opposition parties may use this opportunity to criticize both AAP and BJP.

Political analysts believe that both AAP and BJP are using this controversy to shape the election narrative in their favor.

Public Reaction: Should Politicians Be Held Accountable for Unverified Claims?

This controversy has sparked a larger debate on political accountability. Many voters are questioning whether politicians should be allowed to make serious allegations without evidence.

A recent online poll asked:

With a majority of respondents favoring accountability, there is growing demand for stricter regulations on public statements made by political leaders.

The “Poison in Yamuna” controversy has escalated tensions between BJP and AAP ahead of the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025. While BJP demands legal action against Kejriwal, the AAP leader remains firm on his claims, refusing to apologize.

The Election Commission’s response to BJP’s complaint will be crucial in determining how this issue unfolds. If strict action is taken against Kejriwal, it could impact AAP’s election campaign significantly. On the other hand, if no action is taken, BJP may use this as a campaign point to attack AAP’s credibility.