Water is the hot issue in Rajinder Nagar bypoll

While BJP is highlighting water-related issues, AAP is seeking votes in Kejriwal’s name

NEW DELHI:

From Old Rajinder Nagar to Indperpuri JJ Colony and Naraina — in Rajinder Nagar Assembly constituency where bypoll will be conducted on June 23 — a common issue connects people from all walks of life: water.

People from Rajinder Nagar Assembly constituency told The Hindu that they either face a water shortage or receive water that is contaminated by an overflowing sewer. 

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced Durgesh Pathak as its candidate from the constituency, who has been campaigning in the area for at least a week. Against AAP candidate the BJP has fielded Rajesh Bhatia, a former councillor from the area.

The seat fell vacant after AAP leader Raghav Chadha, who was the local MLA, resigned after being nominated for a Rajya Sabha seat by his party.

“We get water only twice a day. Once in the morning for 10-15 minutes and then only in the evening, and the water we get is not fit for consumption,” said Munna Varma, 43, a painter, who lives in a shack in Inderpuri.

Rajesh Kumar, 36, a resident of Old Rajinder Nagar said that the water shortage this year was worse than last year’s.