'Yamuna Ammonia Issue Should Not Be Mixed With Poisoning Claims': EC To Kejriwal

The ECI requested Kejriwal to clarify his claims and provide evidence or face action for inciting disharmony.

Election Commission has asked AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal not to conflate the issue of increased ammonia in Yamuna with 'poisoning' plot.

Source : PTI

The Election Commission has asked Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal not to conflate the issue of increased ammonia levels in the Yamuna with his allegations of mass poisoning, which he equated to an act of war between two nations. 

The ECI remarked in response to Kejriwal's assertion that the elevated ammonia levels in Yamuna water were part of a poisoning plot, likening it to an act of war. 

Responding to the allegation on Thursday, ECI asked Kejriwal to clarify his claims, including the type, quantity, and method of poisoning, as well as the role of Delhi Jal Board engineers in detecting the contamination.

The poll body also asked the former Delhi Chief Minister to provide specific evidence to back his claims failing which action may be taken against him for promoting disharmony, inciting enmity between groups, and creating public unrest. 

The AAP chief has been given a deadline of Friday, 11 am to submit the necessary details. 

The Commission has cautioned Kejriwal against making inflammatory statements. 

In its statement, the ECI highlighted that water availability and cleanliness are key governance responsibilities, with all governments accountable for providing safe drinking water. 

The poll panel also stressed that it would refrain from intervening in long-standing water-sharing disputes, particularly those with established legal resolutions from the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal. 

On Wednesday, Kejriwal asserted that the raw water supplied to Delhi from Haryana is highly toxic. He referred to a letter from the Delhi Jal Board CEO to the Delhi chief secretary, which mentioned an ammonia level of 6.5 ppm in the Yamuna. 

Kejriwal claimed the figure is far above the 1 ppm threshold that DJB treatment plants are capable of handling. 

The poll panel said Kerjriwal's claim of deliberate poisoning remained unsubstantiated though ammonia contamination in the Yamuna has been flagged by both the Delhi and Punjab governments.