Political tensions have flared up significantly in the national capital as the auspicious festival of Chhath Puja approaches. A fierce political row has broken out after dead fish were spotted floating in the Yamuna River just ahead of the customary evening offerings. Delhi government minister Pravesh Verma has accused the Aam Aadmi Party of orchestrating a deliberate conspiracy by dumping dead fish into the river waters. He asserted that a thorough investigation will be conducted and strict legal action will be taken against all individuals found responsible. On the other hand, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj launched a counter-offensive against the allegations made by the Bharatiya Janata Party, challenging the administration to order an impartial inquiry if they genuinely believe such acts took place.
Minister Accuses AAP of Dumping Market Fish Into River
Minister Pravesh Verma stated during a recent event that within the span of just two years, as more than half of the Yamuna River has been cleaned up, AAP leaders have panicked and resorted to cheap political tactics. He alleged that wherever Chhath Puja celebrations are being organized, party affiliates are bringing dead fish from local fish markets, throwing them into the water, and recording videos to spread malicious rumors among the public. The government has recently introduced boat ferries, launched tourism initiatives, and plans to construct a riverfront along the Yamuna banks, but the dirty politics of the opposition involves procuring dead fish to create a false narrative that marine life is perishing due to official failure.
Official X post by Delhi BJP
Warning of Strict Action and FIR Registration
Pravesh Verma further remarked that such despicable acts during this major festival of folk faith could only be expected from the Aam Aadmi Party. He claimed that even while holding power, these individuals harbored animosity toward people belonging to the Purvanchal region, an attitude that persists today. This is precisely why they did not spare the Chhath festival from their false propaganda and disinformation campaigns. He firmly stated that such wrongdoers will not be spared, an official FIR has already been lodged, and stern punitive measures will follow. The administration will not tolerate any conspiracies that play with public faith and spread falsehoods.
AAP Counter-Attacks Over River Pollution Concerns
Responding through his X post, Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj wrote that while Minister Pravesh Verma is verbally claiming that dead fish were sourced from elsewhere and thrown into the Yamuna, this specific allegation is missing from the formal police complaint. He pointed out that everyone knows the fish likely died due to severely polluted water. Bharadwaj suggested that the minister might be afraid of an official inquiry because it would expose the harsh reality of ongoing Yamuna pollution. He challenged the minister to conduct a proper probe into how thousands of fish perished instead of dodging accountability.
Recent Inauguration of Extended Chhath Ghat Along Munak Canal
Notably, prior to this controversy, an 11-kilometer-long Chhath ghat along the Munak Canal in Delhi was inaugurated on November 12. Dignitaries including Nitin Nabin and Rekha Gupta were present during the opening ceremony. To ensure that devotees performing Chhath rituals face no inconvenience during their prayers, comprehensive arrangements have been made by the Delhi government. Additionally, authorities have officially announced a public holiday for Chhath Puja, specifying which institutions will remain closed during the celebrations.
