In the midst of a growing dispute between Delhi and Haryana over the water scarcity in the national capital, Delhi Water Minister Atishi announced on Friday that she would embark on a path of ‘Satyagraha’ and commence an ‘indefinite fast’ starting today.
Atishi stated that despite every effort, the Haryana government is not supplying sufficient water to Delhi, leading to 28 lakh people being deprived of water.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader declared that she would first visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, after which she would commence an indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura, at noon.
In an interview with X, Atishi expressed, “Water shortage persists in Delhi. Even today, 28 lakh Delhiites are without water. Despite our best efforts, the Haryana government is not providing Delhi with its full share of water. Mahatma Gandhi taught us that if one has to fight against injustice, one must adopt the path of Satyagraha.”
“I will commence the ‘Water Satyagraha’ from today. I will visit Raj Ghat at 11 am to pay my respects to Gandhiji. I will start an indefinite fast at Bhogal, Jangpura, at 12 o’clock. I will continue the fast until the people of Delhi receive their rightful share of water from Haryana,” she added.
Atishi had previously announced that if Delhi did not receive its “rightful” share of water by June 21, she would be compelled to undertake a ‘Satyagraha’.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has persistently criticized the Delhi government over the water crisis.
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj alleged that the crisis had been “orchestrated” by the AAP government to “encourage corruption.”
“Delhi is in a dire state. The entire city is parched and the Kejriwal government is indulging only in theatrics. Delhi minister Atishi, instead of working on the ground and taking adequate steps, is now engaging in mere theatrics and is threatening Delhiites with anshan (fast),” she remarked.
Delhi has been grappling with a water crisis amid scorching temperatures for nearly a month now. Residents in various parts of the city have been forced to line up to collect water from tankers. They have voiced their frustration with the situation, demanding a resolution to their problems.
The political dispute over the water crisis has escalated, with the BJP and AAP at odds. The Congress, which allied with AAP in the Lok Sabha elections, has also criticized the Delhi government on the issue, with Congress’ Delhi president Devender Yadav describing it as a “deception” to the people.