Modi corners AAP on 'poisoning river' claim

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday attacked former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal over his claims that Haryana was poisoning the Yamuna's waters, calling it "an insult to the people and character" of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled state, as he sought to corner the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on an allegation that has erupted into a major flashpoint ahead of next week's polls.

- Alok KN Mishra

"A former chief minister of Delhi has made disgusting allegations against the people of Haryana. AAP-da (calamity) leaders are panicking for fear of defeat," Modi said during a rally in Kartar Nagar, northeast Delhi, referring to the city's ruling party by a moniker he has used often in the build-up to the elections.

Responding to Modi's remarks, AAP said PM Modi focussed on his election campaign in Delhi despite a massive disaster occurring at the Maha Kumbh, referring to the stampede which killed 30 people.

"We stand with the affected families. But even on a day of such sorrow, PM Modi was only focused on his election campaign.

He came to Delhi not to address the tragedy but to hurl abuses at Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP," the party said in a statement.

Kejriwal on Monday said water supply in parts of the Capital may be hobbled as Haryana was "intentionally" draining industrial waste into the Yamuna, leading to an ammonia spike in raw water, a claim that sparked a firestorm of criticism from opposition parties and prompted the Election Commission to write to the AAP chief, asking for proof of his allegation.

People across the national capital, including the country's prime minister, drink water sourced from the Yamuna, Modi said.

"Is Haryana any 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," he said.