The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Atishi, labeling her indefinite hunger strike as a “big scam” and alleging that she retreats to an air-conditioned room during breaks from her protest. The BJP’s criticism surfaced alongside a video showing an empty stage at the Bhogal venue in South Delhi where Atishi’s hunger strike is taking place.
“What kind of indefinite Satyagraha is this, where Atishi goes to eat and rest in an AC room during lunchtime and at night! A big scam is going on,” the BJP Delhi posted on X, raising questions about the authenticity of the protest.
This accusation follows Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj’s denouncement of Atishi’s hunger strike as a “sham” intended to deflect attention from the AAP government’s alleged inefficiencies in managing the water crisis.
“Delhi is in a dire state. The entire city is parched and the Kejriwal government is indulging only in theatrics. Delhi minister Atishi instead of working on the ground and instead of taking any adequate steps is now indulging in mere theatrics and is now threatening Delhiites with anshan (fast),” Swaraj remarked, accusing the AAP of orchestrating the crisis to foster corruption and benefit illegal activities.
Atishi, however, persisted with her fast on its second day, emphasizing the severity of the water shortage affecting 28 lakh residents in Delhi due to reduced water releases from Haryana.
“One MGD water provides for 28,000 people. Shortage of 100 MGD water means 28 lakh people are not getting water in Delhi,” Atishi highlighted in a video message from her ‘Jal Satyagrah’ venue.
The AAP minister underscored Delhi’s dependence on neighboring states for water, receiving 1,005 MGD through rivers and canals, with Haryana historically supplying 613 MGD. However, recent reductions to 513 MGD by Haryana exacerbated the crisis amid soaring summer temperatures.
The water scarcity in Delhi has prompted regular queues at tanker points across the city, underscoring the urgent need for adequate water supply management.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently under judicial custody, expressed solidarity with Atishi’s efforts to resolve the water issue.
“While Delhiites suffer due to water scarcity, I am deeply pained. I hope Atishi’s ‘tapasya’ will succeed and bring relief to Delhi residents,” Sunita Kejriwal relayed on behalf of her husband.
Amidst escalating political tensions over the crisis, BJP workers staged protests outside the Delhi Jal Board office, challenging the AAP’s handling of the situation.
“AAP has been in power for 10 years with control over crucial departments like the Delhi Jal Board and MCD. Are they protesting against their own governance? The truth is, even their ally Congress acknowledges Haryana’s cooperation, supported by Supreme Court recognition,” BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla asserted.