Delhi BJP chief takes a dip in polluted Yamuna

The Delhi BJP, led by party president Virendra Sachdeva, staged a protest at the ITO Yamuna Ghat on Thursday, alleging corruption in the government’s river cleaning efforts.

Sachdeva gets rashes

Following his plunge into the toxic waters, Sachdeva reported experiencing red rashes, itching and mild breathing difficulties. He was subsequently taken to RML Hospital for examination, where doctors prescribed him medication for three days.

Despite an invitation, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and current Chief Minister Atishi did not attend the event to witness the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna or take part in the planned dip.

Sachdeva, who waited for nearly 30 minutes for the Chief Minister, took the initiative to immerse himself in the river’s polluted waters, which he described as “black and foul-smelling”.

He stated, “By taking a dip in the Yamuna today, I not only apologised for the fraud and corruption of the Kejriwal government regarding Yamuna cleaning but also pledged to establish the Yamuna Cleaning Authority upon coming to power in February 2025.”

Prominent BJP leaders, including Delhi BJP media head Praveen Shankar Kapoor and district presidents Vijender Dhama and Sanjay Goyal, joined the protest, which also included local residents. Sachdeva criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for failing to fulfil promises made to clean the river, despite the Delhi Government receiving Rs 8,500 crore from the Central Government for this purpose.

“Instead of addressing the river’s condition, Kejriwal’s government has misappropriated funds,” Sachdeva asserted. Sachdeva also reminded attendees of Kejriwal’s previous commitment in a 2021 video, stating, “If the Yamuna isn’t clean by 2025, don’t vote for us.” He challenged Kejriwal to admit he has misled the public regarding river cleaning.