Cong leaders wear oxygen masks, protest rising pollution crisis in DelhiCong leaders wear oxygen masks, protest rising pollution crisis in Delhi

In a symbolic protest against the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, Congress president Devender Yadav and senior party leaders donned oxygen masks during a press conference on Wednesday. They condemned the worsening pollution, accusing the BJP-led government of turning the city into a "gas chamber."

Calling the current situation a "health emergency," Yadav led a Congress delegation to the Delhi Secretariat, where they submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The memorandum sought installation of oxygen cylinders at public locations and the convening of an all-party meeting to urgently address the crisis.

"The AQI worsens every day. Every citizen of Delhi is struggling to breathe due to the BJP government's failure," Yadav said. He also criticised Gupta for her comment on assuming office she "received pollution in dowry."

The Congress leader highlighted the government's failure to implement both short- and long-term measures to combat pollution, leaving the city's most vulnerable, particularly the poor and working-class populations, at greater risk. "While some can afford air purifiers, 90 per cent of Delhi's residents cannot," Yadav remarked.

The protest saw several senior Congress leaders, including former DPCC chief Anil Kumar, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin, former Union minister Krishna Tirath, and MCD Congress leader Nazia Danish, all wearing oxygen support gear.

Yadav accused the Delhi Government of inaction despite the implementation of GRAP-3 (Graded Response Action Plan) restrictions. "The government ordered 50 per cent attendance in offices and shut primary schools, but why is pollution still safe for senior secondary students?" he asked, calling for the immediate closure of all schools.

He alleged pollution monitoring systems were being manipulated to "hide AQI data," and pointed to the decline in public transport, citing the withdrawal of over 2,000 DTC buses in recent months.

Taking a dig at CM Gupta, Yadav reminded her that when the Congress-led Sheila Dikshit government took charge in 1998, Delhi's green cover stood at just 1 per cent. Under Congress, the green cover grew to 20 per cent, with initiatives such as the Metro expansion, the CNG transition and kerosene-free reforms.

Yadav held both the BJP and AAP responsible for the ongoing pollution crisis, stating, "For the health security of Delhi, the government must declare a health emergency immediately." He urged Gupta to convene an all-party meeting without delay and implement long-term corrective measures to safeguard the city's residents from toxic smog.