AAP worried due to fear of defeat: PM Modi slams Kejriwal's 'Haryana poisoned Yamuna river' charge

Addressing a rally in Delhi, Modi said the ruling Aam Aadmi Party is "worried due to fear of defeat".

The PM, who is the chief campaigner of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said, "In their political interest, AAP-D people have committed another grave sin and this sin can never be forgiven. A former Chief Minister of Delhi has made disgusting allegations against the people of Haryana. AAP leaders are worried due to fear of defeat. Is Haryana different from Delhi? Don't the children, family and relatives of people from Haryana live in Delhi?

"Can the people of Haryana mix poison in the water of their own children? Everyone living in Delhi drinks the same water sent by Haryana; for the past 11 years, even the Prime Minister drinks it; all the judges and all other respected people also drink it."

Kejriwal, a former Delhi chief minister, made the startling claim just days ahead of the Delhi polls.

The AAP supremo accused the BJP government in Haryana of polluting raw water supply to the national capital.

He also warned the poisoned water may cause massive casualties in Delhi.

Countering the allegations, Haryana chief minister Nayab Saini called Kejriwal's comments "cheap politics".

Saini said, "Kejriwal should tell people how the water was poisoned. He should tell people how the water was stopped from entering Delhi because Haryana hasn't stopped it. He should reveal how many fishes have been killed by the poison?"

The Haryana CM added, "Kejriwal has no match when it comes to doing cheap and untruthful politics. Kejriwal insulted the land where he was born. Kejriwal should immediately apologize to the people of Haryana and Delhi."

The Delhi Jal Board has rejected Kejriwal's claims and said on X, "The statement of former Chief Minister and present Chief Minister that the Haryana government has released 'poison in the water' is false, misleading, and factually incorrect.

"Such alarmist statements amount to fear mongering. Water in river Yamuna is of the same quality."

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has asked Kejriwal to provide proof supporting his allegation by 8 pm on Wednesday following a BJP complaint.

In its letter, the ECI said the charge was serious, having the potential to create animosity between states while carrying a provision of a three-year jail term.

Kejriwal's AAP has been ruling Delhi, a union territory, uninterrupted since 2015.

While the AAP is aiming for a consecutive third term, Modi's BJP is eyeing a comeback to power after 27 years.