Congress leader and former union minister Ajay Maken launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday over his recent allegations regarding Delhi’s water supply. Maken declared that if Kejriwal’s claims about “poisoned” water in Delhi are false, they constitute an act of “treason.”
Addressing a press conference, Maken urged a thorough investigation into the allegations made by both Kejriwal and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Haryana government, demanding accountability from either side depending on the findings.
“If Arvind Kejriwal is lying about poison being mixed into Delhi’s water supply, it is treason against the people of Delhi. If the Haryana government is at fault, then strict action should be taken against them. However, if Kejriwal is spreading baseless rumors to incite fear, he must also face legal consequences,” Maken asserted.
His remarks came in the wake of Kejriwal’s controversial statement on Monday, where the Delhi CM alleged that the water supplied to Delhi residents had been deliberately “poisoned.” Kejriwal accused the Haryana government of orchestrating a potential “genocide” against the people of Delhi by contaminating the Yamuna River, a key source of the city’s water.
The fallout from Kejriwal’s remarks has triggered a political storm in both Delhi and neighboring Haryana. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini responded by threatening to file a defamation lawsuit against the AAP chief, calling his claims unfounded and inflammatory. Meanwhile, the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board, the city’s water authority, issued a formal letter to the Delhi chief secretary, categorically rejecting Kejriwal’s allegations as “factually incorrect” and “without any evidence.”
Congress Asserts It Alone Can Challenge BJP
In addition to his criticism of Kejriwal, Maken took the opportunity to address the broader political landscape and the dynamics within the INDIA alliance, a coalition of opposition parties. He expressed concern over the support extended to AAP by some of the bloc’s key members, including Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav, ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.
Maken emphasized that the Congress party remains the most formidable opponent to the BJP and cautioned INDIA bloc allies against weakening the Congress by aligning too closely with AAP. “The Congress has a proven track record of taking on the BJP effectively. We urge our allies to recognize this reality and focus on strengthening the Congress, rather than lending support to parties like AAP, which have consistently engaged in divisive and sensationalist politics,” he stated.
Escalating Political Tensions
Kejriwal’s allegations have added fuel to an already charged political climate, with both the BJP and Congress demanding accountability for what they view as reckless behavior by the AAP leader. The BJP has accused Kejriwal of attempting to divert attention from his government’s shortcomings by fabricating baseless claims, while Congress has raised concerns about the divisive nature of AAP’s rhetoric.
Haryana CM Saini has been particularly vocal, condemning Kejriwal’s statement as an attempt to malign the state’s image. “We will not tolerate such baseless accusations. Legal action will be initiated to protect the dignity of the Haryana government,” Saini declared during a media briefing.
Adding to the controversy, the Delhi Jal Board has openly contradicted Kejriwal’s assertions. In its official communication, the board stated that the water supply quality is regularly monitored and meets safety standards. It also criticized the Delhi CM for making unsubstantiated claims that could create unnecessary panic among residents.
Congress’s Strategic Positioning
Maken’s comments reflect Congress’s ongoing efforts to reassert its dominance within the opposition INDIA bloc. By questioning AAP’s credibility and highlighting its alleged failures, Congress aims to consolidate its position as the primary challenger to the BJP in upcoming elections.
As the controversy unfolds, the incident underscores the complexities of coalition politics, particularly in a high-stakes election season. For now, the allegations surrounding Delhi’s water supply and the political maneuvering they have sparked continue to dominate headlines, with both Congress and BJP sharpening their attacks on Kejriwal and his government.
Maken concluded his press briefing by reiterating his call for a fair and impartial investigation into the matter. “The people of Delhi deserve the truth. Whether it is the Haryana government or Arvind Kejriwal, anyone found guilty of wrongdoing must face the consequences. The safety and well-being of citizens must remain the top priority,” he affirmed.
With tensions escalating and political narratives being shaped on multiple fronts, the matter is likely to remain a focal point in the weeks ahead as parties gear up for electoral battles and alliances are tested.