Cong slams Centre over detention of clean air protesters at India Gate

The Congress on Monday criticised the Centre over the brief detention of people who had gathered at India Gate to protest against the worsening air quality in the national capital, saying that when the government “fails miserably” in its kartavya, citizens are left to fulfil theirs.

On Sunday, scores of people, including parents and environmental activists, assembled at India Gate to voice concern over Delhi’s deteriorating air quality. The police said the protesters were detained for gathering without permission and were later released.

Congress general secretary in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh noted that the iconic India Gate stands on Kartavya Path, renamed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself.

“The citizens of Delhi who are protesting for better air quality are only wanting to carry out their own Kartavya under Article 51-A (g) of the Constitution, which mandates them ‘to protect and improve the natural environment....’,” Ramesh said on X.

“So why are they being prevented by the Delhi Police to register their desperate concern at the atrocious air quality where they live and work?” he asked.

“When the government is failing miserably in its Kartavya, the people have to fulfil theirs,” Ramesh added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also hit out at the government on Sunday, questioning why citizens peacefully demanding clean air were being treated like “criminals”. He urged the government to act decisively on air pollution “right now, instead of attacking citizens asking for clean air”.

His remarks came in response to a post by environmentalist Vimlendu Jha, who had said that several protesters were “taken away” and “shoved in a bus” by the police.