ECI calls for Kejriwal to substantiate claims of Yamuna poisoning

The Election Commission on Tuesday, 28 January, has sought factual evidence from AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to substantiate his allegation that neighbouring Haryana is poisoning the Yamuna river, as it reminded him of legal provisions that can lead to up to three years' imprisonment for 'mischievous' statements against national integration and public harmony.

In a letter to Kejriwal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) sought by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 29 January, the nature and extent of the chemicals used for 'poisoning' the Yamuna which could have killed people in large numbers, as claimed by the AAP chief.

The ECI also asked Kejriwal to share details of his claim that engineers of the Delhi Jal Board had actually detected and prevented it on time.

Both the BJP and Congress had complained to the poll panel against Kejriwal for levelling allegations of poisoning of Yamuna river.

Separately, Delhi chief minister Atishi had alleged that rising ammonia levels in the water supplied to Delhi by Haryana could seriously affect water supply to the national capital.

The EC is also awaiting a factual report from the Haryana government on the issue.