NEW DELHI: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Wednesday wrote a letter to the lieutenant governor VK Saxena, accusing him of “failing to address the pressing issue of dangerously high ammonia levels in Delhi’s water” and prioritising directives from “political masters”.
CM Atishi wrote, “It is deeply disappointing but hardly surprising that instead of addressing the pressing issue of dangerously high ammonia levels in Delhi’s water, you have placed baseless accusations and peddled a false narrative to deflect from your utter failure in fulfilling your responsibilities.”
“The ammonia levels in the Yamuna are 700% above permissible limits—a fact you cannot deny, no matter how many reports you manipulate. By defending the indefensible, you are actively betraying the people you are supposed to serve,” she added.
Atishi’s letter was in response to one from LG Saxena, who criticised AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal’s “poisoned water” remarks as “false” and “misleading,” warning that they posed a threat to national peace.
Atishi alleged that as lieutenant governor, Saxena’s constitutional duty is to serve the people of Delhi, but he chose “to remain loyal to his political masters.
Criticising his stance further, she questioned, “Your relentless defense of the Haryana government and your complete inaction against the contamination of Delhi’s water supply raise a critical question: where does your loyalty lie? With the people of Delhi or with your party’s government in Haryana?”
“If you genuinely cared about Delhi’s residents, you would have taken immediate steps to hold Haryana accountable for their negligence and prevent this crisis. Instead, you have chosen to target those who dare to speak the truth,” she added.
“Making false, misleading, non-factual accusations of poisoning and genocide over a sensitive issue like drinking water and attempting to incite the public against another state govt is not only a threat to the states involved but also to national peace and security,” Saxena said in his letter to Atishi.
Atishi further alleged that, while the LG pledged to serve Delhi’s people, “but his actions reveal that his primary interest lies in following the orders received from the BJP rather than upholding the Constitution or prioritizing the welfare of the citizens,” she added.
Atishi continued her criticism stating that, “The issue of water quality in Delhi has been raised repeatedly by the Aam Aadmi Party government, our MLAs, and candidates across constituencies. Every single plea, whether directed to your office or the BJP-led Haryana government, has been met with deliberate inaction.”
“At this critical juncture, you had two choices: to prioritise public interest or to bow to political interest. Unfortunately, you have chosen the latter,” the Delhi CM claimed.
Earlier on Monday, Kejriwal had accused Haryana of mixing “poison” in the Yamuna water supplied to Delhi, calling it an “attempt of genocide” in the capital.
LG said such statements, letters and tweets could pose a serious challenge to law and order in both Haryana and Delhi. Saxena also questioned the timing of the issue raised by Kejriwal and Atishi, saying they remained silent when the ammonia level was highest in Dec but “falsely accused” Haryana govt of poisoning the river when it had fallen.
Referring to the large amount of untreated industrial and domestic sewage being discharged directly into the Yamuna in Delhi, Saxena said it was “ironic” that instead of engaging in self-reflection and taking necessary action on the issue, Delhi govt was “falsely” accusing other states.
Saxena further added that as an educated, enlightened and sensitive woman and CM, Atishi should rise above “petty interests” and refrain from making such dangerous statements in the interest of public welfare and peace.