AAPs Saurabh Bhardwaj Accuses BJP of Pressuring Chhath Puja Committees

New Delhi, November 15 (Daily Kiran) : Saurabh Bhardwaj, the Delhi state president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has launched a scathing attack on the BJP government regarding pollution in the Yamuna River. During a recent press conference, he claimed that a Dalit youth exposed the government’s misleading advertising, which claimed that the Yamuna had been cleaned. The youth created a five-minute video demonstrating that the river remains heavily polluted, with thousands of fish dead. This revelation, according to Bhardwaj, has left the government in a state of panic.

Instead of investigating the pollution’s source or the cause of the fish deaths, Bhardwaj stated that the authorities arrested the young man who filmed the video. AAP members intervened, leading to his release.

Bhardwaj also voiced concerns about the health risks associated with the polluted river, particularly for families participating in Chhath Puja. He warned that children drinking from the river could fall ill. He challenged BJP leaders, particularly Pravesh Verma, to take legal action against him, asserting that he would not retract his statements.

Addressing the preparations for Chhath Puja, Bhardwaj accused the BJP of attempting to monopolize all religious events. He claimed that during the Kanwar Yatra, participants were pressured to join the BJP to receive permission for the pilgrimage. A similar situation is unfolding with Chhath Puja, where long-standing committees are reportedly being denied funding unless they align with the BJP. Bhardwaj described this as a blatant attempt by the BJP to exert control over religious activities and misappropriate funds, referencing past incidents related to the Ram Temple.

On the rising sales of air purifiers in Delhi, Bhardwaj noted that residents are skeptical of the government’s inflated air quality index (AQI) reports. He criticized the government for claiming there was no pollution during Diwali and for downplaying the impact of fireworks. People are increasingly aware of the pollution around them, leading many to invest in air purification systems for their homes.

In response to a recent incident involving a young woman’s body found in a clothing store fitting room, Bhardwaj lamented the deteriorating law and order situation in Delhi. He described the city as being under “jungle raj,” with the police becoming a subject of ridicule. He criticized the police for their inaction on serious crimes while being quick to respond to political pressures or opportunities for bribery, stating that few honest officers remain.