There was turmoil in South Delhi's Bhogal area as Delhi Water Minister Atishi continued her indefinite hunger strike, which entered its second day on Saturday, over the ongoing water crisis in the capital.
Protesters voiced their discontent against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, leading to their removal by AAP workers.
Atishi began her indefinite fast on Friday, accusing Haryana of withholding Delhi's rightful share of Yamuna water. In a video message from her 'Jal Satyagrah' venue, Atishi declared she would not eat until Haryana released more water for Delhi residents. She highlighted that Haryana had released 110 million gallons per day (MGD) less water on Friday.
"One MGD of water serves 28,000 people. A shortage of 100 MGD means 2.8 million people in Delhi are without water," she stated.
A video from the protest site depicted an agitated crowd as an announcement urged them to avoid chaos.
AAP and BJP CLASH OVER ATISHI'S HUNGER STRIKE
BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized Atishi's fast, calling it a "sham" and a "political drama" to distract from her "inaction."
"Atishi has failed as a water minister. It was evident since February that Delhi would face a harsh summer, yet she made no preparations," Swaraj alleged. On Saturday, the BJP's Delhi unit posted a video showing an absence of AAP leaders at the protest site. "What kind of indefinite Satyagraha is this, where Atishi goes to eat and rest in an AC room during lunch and night? A major scam is underway," the BJP's Delhi unit tweeted.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh quickly responded to the BJP's claims, tweeting, "BJP's fraudsters should know that those on hunger strikes undergo medical check-ups. Medical reports are prepared. Send your Union Minister, send Nayab Singh Saini — if you're wrong, give Delhi its rightful water share."