'Shameless Govt': AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj Slams Lack of Water for CR Park Visarjan
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj accuses the Delhi Government of failing to provide water for Durga Puja Visarjan at CR Park.
The festive spirit of Durga Puja in Delhi's Chittaranjan Park (CR Park) has been marred by a political firestorm. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj has launched a scathing attack on the Delhi Government, alleging a complete failure in basic arrangements for the traditional CR Park Visarjan water requirements.
Water Crisis at the Biggest Pandal
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Bharadwaj expressed disbelief over the situation at one of the capital's largest Durga Puja venues. He claimed that the community was unable to perform the Visarjan (idol immersion) ceremony because the government failed to provide the necessary water. Describing the administration as "shameless," the AAP leader termed the lapse as another act of "cheapness" following what he described as police interference in the celebrations.
Allegations of Police Harassment
The water row is the latest in a series of complaints raised by Bharadwaj regarding the treatment of the Bengali community and Puja committees in CR Park. The AAP leader has accused the Delhi Police of creating unnecessary hurdles for the organisers.
In a previously shared video, Bharadwaj highlighted a significant change in the operating hours of the pandals. He noted that while pandals were allowed to remain open until midnight in previous years, the authorities have now mandated a 10:00 PM closure. He argued that since most people visit the pandals after work during the pleasant evening hours, cutting the window by two hours is unfair and could lead to dangerous overcrowding and potential stampedes.
Electricity Cuts and Double Standards
The allegations extended beyond timing and water. Bharadwaj claimed that police personnel had "barged into" the B Block Durga Puja pandal on a Saturday and forcibly cut electrical connections, resulting in damage to equipment. Tagging the Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, he alleged that the community is being harassed "like never before."
Bharadwaj further pointed out a perceived double standard in the city's governance, questioning why Ram Leelas are permitted to continue past midnight and why 24x7 businesses are encouraged while the Durga Puja festivities are being restricted.
The Police Response
Responding to these heavy allegations, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for South Delhi rejected the claims that the police were obstructing the festivities. The DCP clarified that the police interventions were not intended to harass the community but were strictly aimed at enforcing court-mandated regulations regarding noise pollution.