📷 Image Credits: India Today
Delhi Water Minister Atishi’s ongoing hunger strike in South Delhi’s Bhogal has sparked chaos and political turmoil in the national capital. Atishi’s indefinite fast, now in its second day, is in response to the water crisis affecting Delhi. Protesters at the hunger strike site raised slogans against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, leading to disruptions that were eventually handled by AAP workers. Atishi’s protest stems from the allegation that Haryana is not releasing Delhi’s rightful share of water in Yamuna River.
In a video message from the ‘Jal Satyagrah’ venue, Atishi declared her commitment to fasting until Haryana increases the water supply for the city. She highlighted that 110 million gallons per day (MGD) less water was released by Haryana on Friday, leading to severe water scarcity for a significant population in Delhi. The shortage of 100 MGD water translates to 28 lakh people in the city not having access to sufficient water.
The BJP, on the other hand, criticized Atishi’s hunger strike as a political stunt to divert attention from her alleged inaction as the Water Minister. Allegations were made by BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj, claiming that Atishi failed to prepare for the expected water crisis in Delhi since February. Additionally, the BJP’s Delhi unit shared videos questioning the authenticity of Atishi’s indefinite Satyagraha, accusing her of retreating to an air-conditioned room during lunch and at night.
In response, AAP leader Sanjay Singh defended Atishi and criticized the BJP, stating that medical checks were conducted on hunger strikers to verify their commitment. Singh challenged the BJP to send Union Ministers for medical checks if they doubted the legitimacy of the protest. Meanwhile, tensions escalated at the hunger strike site when civil defence volunteers, removed from their jobs by the AAP government, protested against the disruption caused by the hunger strike.
The chaos surrounding Atishi’s hunger strike underscores the deepening political divide and the sensitive nature of water resource management in the national capital. As the protest continues, the conflict between AAP and BJP intensifies, with each side accusing the other of using the issue for political gains. The fate of the hunger strike and its impact on the water crisis in Delhi remain uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to address the water scarcity affecting millions of residents.
