THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, June 21: In order to further press her demands for increased water allocation from Haryana, Delhi Water Minister Atishi launched an indefinite hunger strike on Friday in Bhogal, South Delhi.
Atishi’s hunger strike began in the presence of the wife of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Sunita Kejriwal, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and AAP MP Sanjay Singh.
Prior to going to Bhogal, Atishi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat along with Sunita Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, Bharadwaj, and other dignitaries.
‘Jal Satyagrah’ to continue until Delhi receives adequate water from Haryana
At the onset of her indefinite fast, Atishi highlighted the severe heat in Delhi and the increased water needs of the people. She emphasized that during such periods, the demand for water rises, yet there is a shortage because Delhi relies entirely on its neighbouring states for its water supply.
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She mentioned that despite her appeal to the Haryana government and a letter to PM Narendra Modi for assistance, Delhi did not receive sufficient water.
Atishi expressed her determination to launch an indefinite hunger strike, stating that she could no longer bear to witness the suffering of Delhi’s residents due to water shortages. She emphasized that the hunger strike, termed “Jal Satyagrah,” would persist until the people of Delhi receive adequate water supply from Haryana.
Sunita Kejriwal conveys message from CM Kejriwal
Sunita Kejriwal conveyed a message from Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in Tihar jail, expressing hope for the success of Atishi’s protest.
The Chief Minister expressed deep distress at witnessing on television the plight of people facing water shortages during the intense heatwave. He emphasized that it is a cultural imperative to provide water to the thirsty and noted Delhi’s dependence on neighbouring states for its water supply.
He lamented the reduction in Delhi’s water share by Haryana, despite the expectation of support during such extreme weather conditions. Kejriwal criticized the political standoff over water, pointing out the governance disparity between the states amid the current situation.
