Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena reportedly told outgoing Chief Minister Atishi that AAP’s defeat in the recent elections was due to the “curse of Yamuna Maa.” The remark came when Atishi visited Raj Bhawan on Sunday to submit her resignation.
The roots of the “curse” go back to 2023 when the National Green Tribunal (NGT) formed a high-level committee under Saxena to oversee the Yamuna rejuvenation project. While CM Arvind Kejriwal initially supported the initiative, his government later challenged the order in the Supreme Court, arguing that a domain expert should lead the panel. The SC stayed the committee’s work, and the issue remained unresolved for over two years.
Yamuna Pollution Becomes a Key Election Issue
- Kejriwal had promised in 2015 to clean the Yamuna within five years but failed to take significant action.
- During the election campaign, the BJP mocked AAP over this, particularly targeting migrant communities from Bihar, Jharkhand, and UP, who gather at the Yamuna for Chhath Puja.
- Post-poll analysis suggests a significant shift in Poorvanchali votes from AAP to BJP, further contributing to Kejriwal’s defeat.
Political Reactions
- Kejriwal accused the Haryana government of polluting the Yamuna, triggering criticism from BJP.
- PM Narendra Modi, in his victory speech, criticized AAP for allegedly disrespecting public faith and vowed to clean the river, ending his speech with chants of “Yamuna Maiya Ki Jai.”
The Yamuna pollution issue thus emerged as a symbol of AAP’s failed promises, shaping the election narrative and voter sentiment.
