What should have been a moment of unity and devotion during Chhath Puja has turned into a political storm in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are engaged in a heated face-off over alleged “fake ghats” and the worsening pollution of the Yamuna River.
While the AAP has accused the BJP of creating an artificial or “filtered-water” ghat exclusively for VIPs, the BJP insists it’s a fabricated charge meant to divert attention from the AAP’s failure to clean the Yamuna. The controversy comes right in the middle of the festive season, when thousands of Purvanchali devotees gather to worship the Sun God.
The ‘Fake Ghat’ Controversy
According to AAP leaders, a special ghat was set up near the ISBT area where filtered or diverted clean water was allegedly used — creating a “fake” version of the Yamuna for political optics.
The party accused the BJP of misleading devotees and manipulating religious sentiment ahead of the festival.
BJP officials dismissed these allegations, saying the arrangements were made only to ensure the safety and comfort of devotees. They countered that the AAP government failed to clean the river despite years of promises and substantial budget allocations.
The Yamuna Pollution Debate
Pollution in the Yamuna has long been a contentious issue in Delhi politics. The BJP claims water quality has significantly improved, even asserting that it is fit for rituals like bathing and aachman (sipping water) at several ghats.
However, AAP leaders and environmental experts disagree, pointing out that foam, toxins, and untreated sewage continue to enter the river. They accuse BJP leaders of misleading the public with cosmetic clean-up drives right before Chhath.
Environmental groups have also expressed concern that the politicization of the festival could distract from the real issue — sustainable river cleaning and waste management.
Politics Behind the Festival
Chhath Puja holds immense cultural and emotional importance for the Purvanchali community — migrants from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh who form a significant voter base in Delhi.
Both AAP and BJP have made strong efforts to appeal to these voters, organizing large-scale ghats, free transportation, and public outreach during the festival.
Political observers say this controversy is less about religion and more about symbolism and voter perception. Whichever party appears more “devotee-friendly” could gain an emotional edge in the upcoming elections.
Public Sentiment
Many Delhi residents and devotees have expressed frustration that religious faith is being used for political scoring.
While some welcome the improved infrastructure at ghats, others are critical of both parties for not addressing long-term solutions to Yamuna’s pollution.
A devotee at Kalindi Kunj remarked, “We come here to pray for purity and prosperity. But every year, the same parties fight — and the river remains dirty.”
❓ FAQs
1. What is the main issue between AAP and BJP?
The dispute revolves around allegations that BJP built a “fake ghat” with clean water for VIPs while ordinary devotees had to use polluted Yamuna water.
2. Has the Yamuna actually become cleaner?
BJP claims water quality has improved, but environmental groups and AAP say the pollution levels remain high due to untreated sewage and industrial waste.
3. Why is Chhath Puja politically significant in Delhi?
The festival is important to Purvanchali voters, who form a large community in the city. Both AAP and BJP aim to appeal to this group during the festive season.
4. What measures are being taken for devotees’ safety?
Authorities have set up barricades, lifeguards, and sanitation facilities at major ghats. Drone monitoring and special buses have also been deployed.
5. How has the public reacted to the controversy?
Many citizens have criticized both parties for politicizing the festival and demanded that the focus remain on cleaning the Yamuna rather than playing blame games.
Final Word
The Chhath Puja festival, meant to celebrate purity and gratitude, has once again become a symbol of political polarization in Delhi.
As the AAP and BJP trade accusations over “fake ghats” and Yamuna pollution, the real concern — the health of the river and the safety of devotees — risks being overshadowed by politics.
Until concrete, transparent cleanup efforts are prioritized, the Yamuna will continue to serve as both a sacred river and a political battlefield.
Published on : 27th October
Published by : SMITA
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