‘Treason’: Congress leader Ajay Maken slams Arvind Kejriwal over ‘Yamuna poison’ remarks

Maken's remarks came in response to Kejriwal's statement on Monday, in which he alleged that Delhi's water supply had been "poisoned".

Published on: Jan 28, 2025, 17:54:17 IST

By HT News Desk

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Congress leader Ajay Maken on Tuesday hit out at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal over allegations regarding Delhi's water supply, saying that if the former Delhi chief minister ‘is lying’, it is "treason."

Ajay Maken has called for an investigation into the Yamuna water row. (Hindustan Times)

The former union minister wants the statements made by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Haryana and Kejriwal to be investigated.

"If Arvind Kejriwal is lying about mixing poison in the water, it is treason. If the Haryana government is wrong, action should be taken. If Arvind Kejriwal is spreading rumours, action should be taken against him," Maken said in a press conference.

Also read: 'Came in small car, lived in Sheesh Mahal': Rahul Gandhi attacks Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia

Maken's remarks came in response to Kejriwal's statement on Monday, in which he alleged that Delhi's water supply had been "poisoned" and accused the Haryana government of planning a "genocide" against Delhi residents.

The remarks have ignited a storm in the national capital and in neighbouring Haryana, whose CM Nayab Singh Saini threatened to sue the AAP chief. On the other hand, the Delhi Jal Board CEO wrote a letter to the chief secretary saying that Arvind Kejriwal's remarks were ‘factually incorrect’ and ‘without any basis’.

Ajay Maken says only Congress can fight the BJP

Ajay Maken spoke out on the matter of support extended by Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav and other INDIA bloc parties to AAP and Arvind Kejriwal ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections.

He called on the INDIA bloc allies to recognise that only Congress could effectively fight the BJP and urged that they should not weaken the party.

Also read: Election Commission asks Arvind Kejriwal to furnish proof on Yamuna poisoning claim: ‘Evidentiary support by 8 pm’

The Congress, which held power in Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has faced major setbacks in the last two assembly elections, failing to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2015 and 2020 assembly elections, securing 67 and 62 seats, respectively, out of 70, while BJP won only three and eight seats in these elections.

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with the counting of votes set for February 8. A total of 699 candidates are contesting for 70 assembly seats in the national capital.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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