The Delhi unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing intense criticism after allegations surfaced that it created a “fake Yamuna river setup” for Chhath Puja celebrations in the national capital. Opposition parties and environmental activists have accused the BJP of misleading devotees by constructing artificial ponds and decorative backdrops instead of cleaning the polluted Yamuna for the annual festival.
Videos and images circulating on social media showed plastic sheets, temporary water bodies, and painted backdrops resembling the Yamuna, sparking outrage among residents and opposition leaders. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress leaders accused the BJP of staging a “photo-op event” rather than addressing the real issue of river pollution.
AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar said, “Instead of cleaning the Yamuna, BJP leaders are fooling devotees with an artificial setup. This is an insult to faith and to the people of Delhi.”
In response, Delhi BJP leaders defended the move, saying the temporary setups were meant to ensure safety and convenience for devotees amid poor water quality in the Yamuna. “The arrangements were made to help people celebrate Chhath Puja peacefully. Allegations of fakery are politically motivated,” a party representative said.
Environmental groups, however, have demanded accountability, urging authorities to prioritize long-term cleanup efforts over temporary cosmetic measures. The controversy comes amid renewed concerns about toxic foam and untreated sewage in the Yamuna, which continues to plague Delhi’s water ecosystem.
