Sambit Patra, BJP's national spokesperson and Member of Parliament, delivered sharp criticisms against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its chief Arvind Kejriwal during his visit to Bijwasan on February 3, 2025. With Delhi Assembly elections just days away, Patra highlighted the severe water crisis afflicting the area, accusing Kejriwal's administration of colluding with mafia-run water distribution networks, leaving residents struggling to procure clean drinking water.
Addressing the media, Patra questioned the adequacy and quality of water supplied to the residents. "Aren’t residents of this area our citizens? Do they not have the right to clean drinking water?" he asked, emphasizing the plight of citizens forced to rely on mafia-run operations to meet their water needs. He launched accusations against Kejriwal, insisting, "Arvind Kejriwal is earning crores by supplying water in this way," and suggested the former Chief Minister profited from these illegal networks.
During his tour of Kapashera—part of the Bijwasan constituency—Patra painted a grim picture of the local water situation, asserting, "There is chaos everywhere. These are not electric wires; these are water pipes." This comment indicated the jumbled system created by mafia associates who allegedly have taken control of the water supply.
Patra noted the extent of the crisis by stating the prices people pay for basic water needs, mentioning, "Residents are forced to pay Rs 200-250 for basic water needs, with additional costs for trucked drinking water." He claimed the income generated from these illegal operations was funneled directly to Kejriwal's pockets.
The BJP MP contended the situation is dire, as the locals are frequently billed for water—even as clean drinking water becomes increasingly inaccessible. He starkly asserted, "Never have I seen anything like this..." referring to the tangled web of pipes connecting homes suspended from electric poles.
Adding to the turmoil, Patra raised issues surrounding the quality of water supplied to all Vidhan Sabhas across Delhi, alleging systemic failures under Kejriwal's administration. "According to a study, every Vidhan Sabha of Delhi is being supplied with dirty water... Now who will he blame for this? Haryana, Punjab, or J&K?" he challenged, casting doubt on Kejriwal’s accountability.
Patra's comments carry weight as campaigning ends and voters prepare to head to the polls on February 5. With the BJP pushing the narrative of AAP's failures, the water crisis continues to be central to the party's campaign strategy. Patra, standing by former AAP minister Kailash Gahlot—who now runs for the BJP—promised future reforms for water services if elected.
The allegations also draw attention to the longstanding issue of inadequate infrastructure and governance related to the water supply crisis across Delhi. The narrative painted by Patra criticizes AAP not only for its handling of the current water situation but also links the government's efforts to its political aspirations. On the ground, residents are left anxious and frustrated amid the chaos, and as the elections loom, they seek accountability and solutions to their longstanding problems.