'I will send three bottles of Yamuna water to EC officials to drink': Arvind Kejriwal

NEW DELHI: AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday hit back at the Election Commission of India after they provided him with an opportunity to present evidence supporting his claims that the Yamuna river water was intentionally poisoned.



Speaking to reporters, Kejriwal said, "I want to respectfully tell the ECI that while the open distribution of money in Delhi goes unnoticed, they are indulging in politics. Why? Because Rajeev Kumar is seeking a post-retirement job. I want to remind him — history will never forgive him."


He continued, "I don’t believe the Election Commission has ever been as discredited as it is now. I know they’ll imprison me in two days. Let them. I’m not afraid. The country has never witnessed elections like this before."

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"I will send three bottles (containing 7 PPM ammonia-contaminated water with chlorine mixed into it) to the Election Commission as well to Rajiv Kumar. Let the three Election Commissioners consume these in a press conference, we will admit our mistake," Kejriwal said further.

'Poisoned' Yamuna Row

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ECI requested Kejriwal to clarify his claims, specifying the type, quantity, and method of poisoning, as well as the role of Delhi Jal Board engineers in detecting the contamination. The Commission has set a deadline of 11 am on Friday for Kejriwal to submit the required details.

The ECI’s response comes after Kejriwal alleged that the elevated ammonia levels in the Yamuna were part of a deliberate poisoning plot, which he equated to an act of war.

The commission has urged him to distinguish between the issue of ammonia contamination and the poisoning allegations, advising against conflating the two.

It also warned Kejriwal against making inflammatory remarks that could incite public unrest or foster discord between communities.

The ECI underscored that ensuring water availability and cleanliness is a fundamental governance responsibility, with all governments accountable for providing safe drinking water.

Additionally, it reiterated that it would not intervene in long-standing water-sharing disputes, particularly those with established legal resolutions from the Supreme Court and the National Green Tribunal.