Political Row Erupts Over ‘Artificial Yamuna’ Before PM Modi’s Chhath Visit
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to take part in Chhath Puja celebrations at Vasudev Ghat in north Delhi on Tuesday, a fierce political tussle has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The controversy centers on allegations that the Delhi government has created an “artificial Yamuna” filled with filtered water to stage-manage the Prime Minister’s ceremonial dip.
AAP leaders have accused the BJP of orchestrating a “political drama” instead of genuinely cleaning the Yamuna River. The BJP, in turn, dismissed the accusations as a desperate attempt by the opposition to politicize religious sentiments ahead of the festival.
AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that an artificial pool had been constructed at Vasudev Ghat using filtered water, leaving “real devotees” to worship in polluted stretches of the actual river. He shared videos claiming that while Vasudev Ghat had clean, filtered water for the Prime Minister’s visit, other ghats were filled with toxic, faecal-contaminated water unsafe for devotees.
AAP Accuses BJP of “Mocking” Chhath Sentiments
AAP’s top leadership joined the chorus of criticism, saying the ruling party had “made a mockery” of the sacred festival. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal posted on X (formerly Twitter) that “the BJP has insulted the deep religious sentiments associated with Chhath Puja by faking a clean Yamuna.”
Delhi Minister and AAP leader Atishi termed the move “discriminatory,” alleging that the BJP’s efforts were focused solely on creating a photo opportunity for the Prime Minister, not on cleaning the Yamuna for lakhs of devotees. The party claimed that despite years of promises, the Yamuna remains severely polluted, with high levels of toxic chemicals and untreated sewage continuing to flow into the river.
AAP further released drone visuals and water quality comparisons to support its claim that the so-called ‘Artificial Yamuna’ was a cosmetic effort designed to mislead the public.
BJP Counters: “AAP Has No Right to Talk About Chhath”
Countering AAP’s allegations, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva accused the opposition of hypocrisy. He reminded that during AAP’s tenure, Chhath Puja was banned on the Yamuna banks between 2018 and 2024 under the pretext of environmental safety. “This is the first time in history that an opposition party has objected to cleanliness and sanitation efforts before a major religious festival,” he said.
Sachdeva added that the BJP-led administration had taken extensive steps to ensure cleanliness, including dredging, garbage removal, and safety arrangements across Yamuna ghats. “The same AAP that banned Chhath now lectures us on devotion,” he remarked.
The BJP dismissed the “Artificial Yamuna” claim as “baseless” and emphasized that water filtration was part of the standard cleaning process before religious events. Party leaders said the AAP’s allegations were an attempt to divert attention from its failures in river rejuvenation projects during its tenure.
Festival Preparations Take Political Turn
Even as the controversy rages, preparations for the Chhath festival continue across Delhi, particularly in areas with large migrant populations from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The event, deeply significant for Purvanchali voters, has become a touchpoint for political messaging in the national capital.
Observers note that the clash is not merely about festival arrangements but also about winning the hearts of the city’s migrant population—a critical vote bank in upcoming elections. While Delhi Assembly polls are still several years away, both parties appear keen to use Chhath Puja as a symbolic battleground for influence.
AAP has accused the BJP of exploiting religious occasions for electoral gain, hinting at a larger political strategy linked to the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. However, BJP leaders argue that the celebrations are part of India’s cultural tradition and that the party’s role is limited to facilitating safe and clean puja venues.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has already announced additional trains to handle festive traffic, highlighting the central government’s focus on migrant welfare during Chhath.
The Yamuna Debate: Symbolism vs. Substance
The latest spat over the “Artificial Yamuna” underscores a larger question about Delhi’s environmental and political priorities. Despite repeated promises from successive governments, the Yamuna remains one of the most polluted rivers in India.
Environmental experts say that symbolic gestures cannot replace long-term action. “Whether filtered or not, the Yamuna’s true revival requires consistent sewage management, industrial regulation, and inter-agency coordination,” said one Delhi-based water conservationist.
As the Prime Minister prepares to take his ceremonial dip, the political and religious spectacle has yet again drawn national attention—turning the sacred Chhath celebration into a stage for partisan rivalry.