AAP vs BJP Over “Artificial Yamuna” Ahead of PM Modi’s Chhath Puja Dip

Festival Time Turns Political in Delhi

In the run-up to Chhath Puja, a major festival celebrated by millions of people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and eastern India, a new political controversy has erupted in Delhi. The Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party have locked horns over what the opposition calls an “artificial Yamuna”. The dispute started after reports suggested that a special clean water pond had been created for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s symbolic dip during the festival. While the BJP insists it is only improving facilities for devotees, the AAP claims the government is staging a photo opportunity instead of truly cleaning the river.

What Sparked the Dispute

The trouble began when workers were seen preparing a special ghat at Vasudev Ghat near the Yamuna. The site had filtered water being pumped in and platforms being built for the Prime Minister’s visit. Soon after, AAP leaders accused the BJP of setting up a “fake Yamuna” for the Prime Minister while leaving the real river polluted and unfit for devotees. They said ordinary worshippers would be forced to stand in toxic water while the Prime Minister would perform his rituals in a clean pool created only for him.

The BJP dismissed these allegations and said the opposition was deliberately trying to create confusion. Party leaders said the arrangements were meant to ensure hygiene and safety for everyone attending the festival. They also said the AAP was using religion to gain political mileage ahead of future elections.

The Importance of Chhath Puja

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals for the Purvanchali community. It involves offering prayers to the setting and rising sun while standing in water. The festival symbolizes gratitude, purity, and devotion. Thousands of families across Delhi gather on the banks of the Yamuna during the four days of rituals. For many migrant families from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh living in the capital, Chhath is an emotional connection to their homeland.

Because of this, the arrangements for the festival often carry political importance. The community is large and influential in Delhi’s voting population. Every year, political parties compete to show they care for the festival and the people who celebrate it. The current controversy has therefore become more than just about water quality; it has turned into a symbolic contest for respect and representation.

AAP’s Side of the Story

Leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party said the BJP is staging a “show” instead of addressing the real problem. According to them, the water in the Yamuna remains highly polluted with sewage and industrial waste. They said that creating an artificial pond filled with filtered water for a few hours does not solve the actual issue of cleaning the river.

AAP leaders accused the BJP of making cosmetic changes for media coverage. They pointed out that the same river where common citizens will offer prayers continues to emit foul smell and foam. They demanded that the Prime Minister should take a dip in the real Yamuna to understand the struggles faced by ordinary people. The AAP also claimed that the Central government has failed to control the discharge of untreated waste into the river even after spending huge amounts on clean-up projects.

BJP’s Response

The Bharatiya Janata Party called the AAP’s allegations baseless and politically motivated. BJP spokespersons said the arrangements for Chhath Puja are being made to ensure a comfortable experience for all devotees, including clean ghats, safe lighting, medical tents, and drinking water facilities. They said the AAP is insulting the spirit of the festival by spreading false information.

The BJP further argued that the current government has been working on long-term plans to clean the Yamuna through multiple projects under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The party said that such work takes time and cannot be judged by a single festival. They also reminded that under AAP’s own rule in Delhi, river cleaning projects have moved slowly and the situation has not improved much.

The Yamuna’s Long-Standing Problem

The Yamuna River, which flows through Delhi, has been in crisis for years. Nearly 70 percent of its pollution is believed to come from untreated sewage. Foam and foul smell have become common near many ghats. Despite several plans and crores of rupees spent over decades, visible improvement has been limited.

For environmentalists, this new controversy highlights a serious issue that has been ignored for too long. They say that both sides should focus on cleaning the river rather than arguing over temporary arrangements. A truly clean Yamuna, they say, would make such disputes unnecessary.

Community Reaction

Among Delhi’s Purvanchali community, reactions have been mixed. Some people say they are happy that better facilities are being prepared, no matter who provides them. Others feel hurt that the focus seems to be on political showmanship rather than genuine respect for their faith. Many families said they only want safe water and peaceful conditions to celebrate Chhath Puja.

Local residents near the ghats have also expressed concern about the pollution levels. Some have demanded that both the Delhi government and the central agencies work together instead of blaming each other every year. Volunteers from various social groups have started cleaning drives along parts of the river to support the cause.

Faith, Optics and Politics

The row over the “artificial Yamuna” comes at a time when both AAP and BJP are trying to strengthen their hold over voters in the capital. For AAP, exposing what it calls hypocrisy helps it appeal to lower-income and migrant families who often feel neglected. For BJP, the Prime Minister’s participation in a major cultural festival shows respect for tradition and helps build emotional connections with millions of devotees.

Festivals have often become stages for political competition in India. Yet, when the festival is about devotion to nature and purity, such competition can appear ironic. People expect clean rivers not only during rituals but throughout the year. Turning that into a political contest can make citizens feel their faith is being used for votes.

Lessons and the Way Forward

The ongoing dispute is a reminder that cleaning the Yamuna is not about one event or one government. It is about consistent effort, scientific planning and cooperation across agencies. Delhi’s residents have seen countless promises over the years, but progress has been slow. Experts believe that solutions require better sewage management, strict enforcement against illegal discharge, and public awareness.

For the Chhath devotees, the focus remains on faith and family. They rise early, prepare offerings, and stand in water with prayers for health and happiness. Whether the water is from the real Yamuna or a temporary pond, their devotion remains the same. What they hope is that someday, the river they worship will truly be clean again.

Conclusion

As Prime Minister Modi prepares to take part in Chhath Puja in Delhi, the political debate over the “artificial Yamuna” continues. The AAP and BJP are trading sharp words, each trying to shape the public narrative. Yet the larger truth remains unchanged. The Yamuna still needs long-term healing, not quick fixes. If leaders can turn this moment of controversy into genuine cooperation, the biggest winner will be the river itself and the millions who worship its waters with pure devotion.