BJP holds AAP responsible for worsening pollution levels

The Delhi BJP has intensified its criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, holding it responsible for worsening pollution levels in the Capital due to stubble burning in Punjab. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva has called for the resignation of Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai, accusing him of prioritising political interests over the health of residents.

“Rai has focused more on safeguarding Punjab’s political interests than the health of Delhi’s citizens,” he stated, urging Rai to either take action against the Punjab Govt or resign.

Sachdeva cited data from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), revealing that Punjab is the largest contributor to pollution caused by stubble burning in North India, with 1,581 incidents reported between September 15 and October 22.

“Punjab’s figure alone exceeds the combined total of both Haryana and Uttar Pradesh,” he emphasised.

On October 22 alone, Punjab recorded 71 new stubble-burning incidents, compared to 10 in Haryana and 17 in UP, demonstrating Punjab’s significant role in the pollution crisis, according to Sachdeva.

BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, “The Delhi Govt should explain what efforts it has made to save the capital from pollution.” Bidhuri added while Rai writes letters to other states about diesel buses, he fails to address the majority of stubble burning incidents occurring in Punjab.

“Even if artificial rain occurs, pollution will immediately return,” he warned.