Delhi Air Crisis: Sonia Gandhi Urges Immediate Government Action as Vulnerable Populations Suffer

Congress leaders raised slogans demanding parliamentary discussion on the severe air pollution issue affecting the nation's capital.

In New Delhi, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday called upon the Centre to implement immediate measures to combat the worsening air pollution crisis in Delhi-NCR, highlighting that vulnerable populations are bearing the brunt of this environmental emergency.

Speaking to media representatives outside Parliament, Gandhi emphasized, "The government must take responsibility and act decisively. Young children are experiencing severe health impacts, and elderly individuals like myself find it increasingly difficult to cope with these conditions."

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra reinforced this urgent call for action, criticizing the lack of substantial initiatives to address the pollution crisis. She clarified that the Opposition's stance was not politically motivated, stating they would fully support any meaningful government efforts to mitigate the pollution emergency.

"What pleasant weather are we supposed to enjoy? The conditions outside are hazardous," Priyanka Gandhi noted. "As Sonia ji mentioned, children cannot breathe properly. She suffers from asthma, and many senior citizens like her are experiencing respiratory distress. The situation deteriorates annually, yet we only hear empty promises without concrete solutions. We have consistently maintained that governmental action is necessary, and we stand united on this issue. This shouldn't become a partisan matter with mutual accusations."

Earlier that day, Opposition MPs organized a demonstration in front of the Makar Dwar within Parliament premises, protesting against the Centre's handling of the air pollution crisis affecting Delhi-NCR and northern India regions.

Protesters wore oxygen masks and displayed banners with the message "Mausam ka maza lijiye" (enjoy the weather), directly challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi's earlier remarks at the commencement of Parliament's Winter Session.

The demonstrating leaders vocally demanded that Parliament formally address and debate the critical air pollution situation.

Congress President and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge, alongside Congress Parliamentary Party President Sonia Gandhi, participated in the demonstration outside the Parliament building.

As the Winter Session entered its fourth day, several Congress MPs including Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari, and Vijayakumar alias Vijay Vasanth submitted formal notices requesting discussion on North India's deteriorating air quality. The Congress leadership urged the government to officially declare pollution a national health emergency requiring immediate intervention.