Don't blame others: Assam CM taunts Kejriwal over Delhi floods
What's the story
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday took a dig at his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal over the flood situation in the national capital. Taking to Twitter, Sarma said that Assam faces floods with "brave hearts" but "does not blame others." This comes after Kejriwal blamed neighboring Haryana for floods in Delhi, alleging that it released extra water into the Yamuna River.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Delhi witnessed 153mm of rain in 24 hours on July 8-9, the highest in 41 years. Water levels in most major rivers in North India and Northwest India rose significantly as a result of the heavy rains. Haryana also reportedly released about one lakh cusecs of water into the Yamuna River, prompting the Delhi government to issue a flood alert.
Twitter Post
Check out Sarma's statement on Delhi floods on Twitter
Every year, we receive water from Bhutan, Arunachal, and even from China. We face floods with brave hearts. We experience pain and misery beyond human imagination, yet we do not blame others. Because we know that nature does not recognize geography.#delhiflood
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) July 16, 2023
Statement
Waiting for Kejriwal's invite to see Delhi's development: Sarma
Sarma said on Saturday that he was still waiting for Kejriwal's invite to tour Delhi and see the "development in the national capital." "Kejriwal said he would invite me for a tour of Delhi. I have been waiting for six months for his invite so that I can see what kind of development he has undertaken in the capital," he added.
Arvind Kejriwal
Sarma, Kejriwal traded charges in past
Sarma and Kejriwal indulged in a war-of-words over Assam's development after the latter's visit to the state for a rally in April. "When you (Sarma) come to Delhi, please come to my house for tea. If you have more time, come for a meal. I will also take you around to show the great schools and hospitals we have made in Delhi," Kejriwal said.
Delhi floods
Delhi continues to face flood-like situation
Several areas in Delhi, including the Red Fort and several posh localities, witnessed flooding this week after the Yamuna River overflowed. The AAP-led Delhi government blamed the release of water from the Hathnikund Barrage in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled Haryana for the flood-like situation. On Sunday, Kejriwal stated that the water had receded from most areas, and other areas will see normalcy soon.
About
Know about flood situation in Assam
Meanwhile, over 67,000 people have been impacted by floods in 17 districts of Assam as major rivers, including the Brahmaputra, are flowing beyond the danger mark. According to CM Sarma, surplus water from Bhutan's Kurichu dam has been discharged since Friday morning, and district administrations in downstream Assam have been put on high alert for potential floods.