Poisoning Yamuna row: ‘Haryana CM Saini sent poisonous water to Delhi; EC favouring BJP’, charges AAP chief Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal visits EC office and files fresh response. AAP leader says will accept any 'illegal punishment' given by EC

Arvind Kejriwal (File) AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal (centre) with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, and party leader Sanjay Singh during a press conference in New Delhi | PTI

Accusing the Election Commission of bias, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal visited the poll body’s office in Delhi on Friday and submitted his second response over the “poisoning river Yamuna” row. Kejriwal was accompanied by both chief ministers of his party – Atishi (Delhi) and Bhagwant Singh Mann (Punjab).

Reportedly, the AAP leader was not given any prior appointment at the office. Addressing reporters ahead of visiting the Election Commission’s office, Kejriwal charged, the poll body was “shooting the messenger” by targeting his party for raising its voice for the public.

"I want to congratulate the people of Delhi that our struggle has been successful and the ammonia level in Yamuna which was 7 ppm since January 26-27 has now come down to 2.1 ppm now," PTI reported quoting the AAP leader.

 The Commission served fresh notice to Kejriwal on Thursday citing his first 14-page reply to the “poisoning river Yamuna” charge was devoid of any facts. The poll body had asked Kejriwal to file a fresh reply by 11am on Friday and warned of consequences otherwise. The former Delhi chief minister accused Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar of bias and charged he was aiming for a job post retirement.

Reportedly, in his response to EC, Kejriwal has said, “If no action is taken against the Haryana government and the Bharatiya Janata Party leaders involved in corrupt practices it will be amply clear to everyone that the CEC keeps the interest of the ruling party over public interest. Unfortunately, I can't be expected to be silent on this and tow this line out of fear or expectations of favour,” ANI reported.

Kejriwal added his only concern is the health and well-being of residents of Delhi and he will “fight for the protection of our democratic principles”. “Whatever illegal punishment you may wish to impose on me under the instruction of the BJP is a small price to pay for it, and I welcome it with open arms,” ANI reported quoting the AAP supremo’s response. Kejriwal sought a criminal case against the Haryana government and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for “sending poisonous water” to the national capital.

The AAP leader charged, “Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini has committed a crime by sending poisonous water to Delhi and trying to create an artificial water crisis in the national capital.”

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