Yamuna Politics: BJP’s Dramatic Dig at Kejriwal in Delhi Polls

In a theatrical campaign move, BJP’s New Delhi assembly candidate Parvesh Verma took to the Yamuna River with a life-size cut-out of former CM Arvind Kejriwal. The cut-out depicted Kejriwal holding his ears in shame, with the slogan: “Main fail ho gaya, mujhe vote mat dena; 2025 tak main Yamuna saaf nai kar paya” (I have failed, don’t vote for me; I couldn’t clean the Yamuna by 2025). Verma repeatedly submerged the cut-out, underscoring his criticism of AAP’s unmet promises.

The polluted Yamuna has become a key election issue for Delhi voters, with health risks and unfulfilled pledges dominating political narratives. Verma likened the Yamuna’s cleanup to the Sabarmati Riverfront project, stressing it isn’t “rocket science” and blaming AAP for lack of action.

Opposition parties have also seized on the issue. Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav defended Kejriwal by challenging UP CM Yogi Adityanath to drink Yamuna water in Mathura. Meanwhile, Congress’s Alka Lamba accused both BJP and AAP of exploiting the river as a “political prop,” promising real results if given power.

The Delhi Assembly elections are scheduled for February 5, with 699 candidates vying for 70 seats. As Yamuna politics heats up, the river’s future remains a pivotal talking point in shaping the city’s leadership.