In his victory address, Prime Minister Modi promises to make "Yamuna the identity of Delhi." Everything you need to know

PM Modi criticized the AAP's handling of Yamuna and emphasized its spiritual value in his victory address. He thanked voters for their support during the elections despite the AAP's assertions and pledged to make Yamuna a symbol of Delhi.

Delhi Elections 2025 Outcome: Prime Minister Narendra Modi evoked "Yamuna Maiya Ki Jai" in his speech to party workers at the BJP headquarters after the BJP won the Delhi Assembly elections. "I have taken a pledge during the election campaign that we will make Yamuna the pride and identity of Delhi." Bringing up the Yamuna "poisoned" debate that erupted between the AAP and BJP in the lead-up to the polls, PM Modi made a commitment on Saturday.

In his victory speech, what did Prime Minister Modi say about Yamuna?
Our spirituality comes from Maa Yamuna. We give thanks to the Yamuna devi, who always sends us good vibes. However, these individuals (AAP) ridiculed our beliefs and paid no heed to Maa Yamuna. At the party headquarters, PM Modi told BJP workers, "These people (AAP) crushed the beliefs of the people of Delhi under their feet and then blatantly accused Haryana."

"I have promised that we will establish Yamuna as Delhi's identity. I am aware that this is a challenging task that will require time. However, if we are resolute, Yamuna Maa will continue to bless us no matter how much work and time it takes.

With a play on the term "AAP-da," which refers to the Aam Aadmi Party, PM Modi praised the Delhi residents for the BJP's victory. There is no space for lies and short cuts in politics, the BJP leader added, adding that Delhi's citizens are the "real owners" of the city.

What is causing the pollution in Yamuna?
The Yamuna River is extremely polluted, especially in the vicinity of Delhi, which accounts for about 80% of the pollution load. In November 2023, fecal coliform counts—a sign of untreated sewage—rose to 7.9 million MPN/100 ml, significantly more than the recommended daily allowance of 2,500 units.

Numerous sources suggest that 44 million liters of industrial effluents and 800 million liters of mostly untreated sewage are released into the Yamuna.

Even though Delhi's sewage treatment plant can now handle 35 million gallons of wastewater per day, a significant volume of untreated sewage still enters the river.

According to official data, the Yamuna's pollution levels drastically rise as it passes through Delhi. At Asgarpur, the biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels spike to 85 mg/l, which is 28 times greater than the 2 mg/l at Palla, where the river enters Delhi.

Why was Yamuna campaigning in the heart of Delhi?

Given previous concerns, Modi's invocation of the Yamuna gained additional significance. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal had claimed, just weeks prior to the election, that the BJP  in Haryana was mixing poison into the Yamuna River water being sent to Delhi, a claim PM Modi strongly refuted.