Delhi pollution sparks row: BJP alleges 'conspiracy'; AAP and Congress question AQI data
Delhi's air quality has reached severe levels following Diwali, triggering a political blame game between the BJP, AAP, and Congress. BJP leaders allege that the Punjab government intentionally orchestrated a surge in stubble burning, while opposition parties question the accuracy of the city's pollution data.
Why it matters
The annual pollution crisis in India's capital highlights the intersection of public health, environmental policy, and partisan political conflict.
NEW DELHI: A thick blanket of smog engulfed Delhi on Monday, with air quality deteriorating to the brink of the 'severe' category a day after Diwali celebrations. As several monitoring stations recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 400, a political war of words erupted between the BJP, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress.Delhi minister Kapil Mishra accused the AAP government in Punjab of orchestrating stubble-burning incidents on Diwali to deliberately worsen Delhi's air quality and target the festival. Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the Delhi government's pollution data, alleging that readings from several monitoring stations had gone missing during the night.Kapil Mishra alleges conspiracy over Punjab farm firesDelhi minister and BJP leader Kapil Mishra alleged that a sudden increase in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali was a premeditated attempt to worsen pollution in the national capital.
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