Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena reportedly told outgoing Chief Minister Atishi that AAP’s defeat in the Assembly elections was due to the “curse of Yamuna Maiya.” The remark was allegedly made when Atishi visited Raj Niwas to submit her resignation.
According to reports, Saxena reminded Atishi that he had repeatedly warned the AAP government about key public concerns, especially the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River. He reportedly said that despite these warnings, the Kejriwal-led administration failed to act, which led to their downfall.
The issue of Yamuna’s pollution was a major talking point in the election campaign. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal had accused the Haryana government of contaminating the river, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured voters that a BJP-led government would restore the river’s sanctity.
In a landmark victory, the BJP secured 48 out of 70 seats, marking a return to power in Delhi after 27 years. AAP, which had dominated the previous elections, saw its seat count plummet to 22. Atishi, however, managed to retain the Kalkaji seat after a close fight against BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri, winning by a margin of 3,521 votes.
Following the election results, LG Saxena dissolved the seventh Delhi Legislative Assembly, setting the stage for the formation of a BJP-led government in the national capital. His alleged remarks have now sparked a political row, with AAP leaders questioning the intent behind the statement.