The age-old dispute over water sharing between Delhi and Punjab has again reached a political boiling point in the latest round of charging and counter-charging between the two sides. On Friday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma accused the Punjab government of withholding water supply to Delhi, prompting a quick retort by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the capital.
Parvesh Singh, who has been vocal in his criticism of the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi, alleged that people in various parts of the national capital were experiencing severe shortages of water as supply from Punjab has been cut down. “This is nothing short of water terrorism,” Singh charged at a press conference. “The AAP government in Punjab has specifically cut down water supply to Delhi and lakhs of people are suffering in this scorching heat.”
Singh also blamed AAP for playing a political stunt prior to the Lok Sabha polls. “They have miserably failed in Delhi on all counts—be it education, healthcare, or now, even provision of basic water. Rather than own up their responsibility, they are playing victimhood,” he claimed.
However, the Aam Aadmi Party hit back swiftly and sharply. In a statement issued hours after Singh’s remarks, the party dismissed the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. AAP leader and Delhi Jal Board vice-chairperson Somnath Bharti said, “This is classic BJP misdirection. When their own MPs and leaders cannot explain why Delhi’s water infrastructure hasn’t been modernized during their 10-year rule at the Centre, they resort to blaming Punjab.”
Bharti further stated that water supply from Punjab is regulated by agreements and inter-state coordination involving several stakeholders, including the Central Water Commission. “No single state can unilaterally decide to halt water. If there is a deficit, it is because of climate stress, heatwaves, and low levels in Yamuna—not political vendetta,” he clarified.
The political blame game follows a time of north India’s record-breaking heatwaves, with Delhi experiencing temperatures well above 44°C. In response, water demand has seen a surge, mounting pressure on the Delhi Jal Board and other civic agencies to provide consistent supplies. Parts of South and West Delhi reported patchy or no supply for the last two days.
Caught in the middle of this political game are the people. Ramesh Kumar, who resides in Dwarka Sector 8, stated, “We’ve had no water since yesterday morning. Tankers are arriving late, and people are waiting with buckets. Whether it’s Punjab or Delhi’s fault, we just want water.”
This isn’t the first time Delhi’s water politics have made headlines. In past years, disputes over the Yamuna river’s water—especially during the summer—have led to similar confrontations between Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. The Supreme Court has previously been approached to mediate such disputes, but long-term resolution remains elusive.
Political observers are convinced that both sides are employing the issue to raise support before elections. “Water is a sentimental and pressing issue for voters. The BJP is attempting to make AAP look ineffective, while AAP is attempting to be seen as a victim of BJP’s suspected sabotage at state as well as center levels,” political observer Neha Singh said.
At the same time, the Delhi government has also requested the Centre to intervene and enforce equitable water distribution, and pleaded with Union Jal Shakti Ministry officials to arrange emergency talks with Punjab.
As the temperature continues to soar—literally as well as politically—the actual challenge is ensuring that millions of Delhiites are not deprived of basic shortages during the height of summer.
