Sun Oct 26 19:31:39 UTC 2025: Summary:

The article reports on the political conflict between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Delhi, India, over preparations for the Chhath Puja festival at Vasudev Ghat on the Yamuna River. AAP accuses the BJP of creating a fake, filtered-water pool for Prime Minister Modi’s potential participation, while leaving devotees to wade in the polluted river. The BJP counters by accusing AAP of hindering cleanliness efforts and politicizing the religious festival. The Delhi government, now led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta (BJP), is preparing numerous ghats for the festival. The Chhath Puja is an important religious festival for the Purvanchali community, which forms a significant part of Delhi’s electorate, making it a focal point of political attention.

News Article:

Delhi Politics Heat Up Over Chhath Puja Preparations

Delhi, India – October 27, 2025 – As the city prepares for the Chhath Puja festival, a political battle has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the condition of the Yamuna River and the arrangements made at Vasudev Ghat. The controversy surrounds the potential participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the festivities.

AAP leaders are alleging that the BJP is constructing an artificial pool with filtered water for the Prime Minister to use, while neglecting the polluted state of the main river where devotees are expected to perform their rituals. “They are creating a fake Yamuna for the Prime Minister while real devotees are left to wade into filth,” stated AAP Delhi unit president Saurabh Bharadwaj.

The BJP has vehemently denied these claims, accusing AAP of “political frustration” and of obstructing efforts to clean up Vasudev Ghat. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva emphasized that the party is committed to ensuring a clean and safe environment for devotees, highlighting the government’s efforts to clean the Yamuna.

Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra stated that around 1,300 ghats are being prepared across Delhi for Chhath celebrations. Water Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh personally inspected ghats, directing officials to ensure devotees’ comfort and safety. He added, “Under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Delhi government is committed to ensuring every devotee gets a clean, safe, and well-managed environment.”

The four-day Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun god, is a significant festival for the Purvanchali community, which constitutes a substantial portion of Delhi’s electorate. Political analysts suggest that this demographic is a key target for both parties leading up to the Assembly election in February. The controversy over Chhath Puja preparations is seen as another battleground in the ongoing political rivalry between AAP and the BJP.

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