Delhi Pollution Crisis: AAP-BJP Blame Game Escalates as Air Quality Reaches Dangerous Levels Post-Diwali

Delhi experienced heavy grey haze, limited visibility, and 'very poor' air quality the day after Diwali despite restrictions.

In New Delhi, as residents awakened to toxic air following Diwali celebrations, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her BJP government for failing to control pollution in the capital. The BJP responded by attributing the thick smog to citizens ignoring firecracker restrictions and stubble burning in neighboring states.

AAP MLA Gopal Rai accused the Delhi government of inaction and making excuses. "Pollution levels have increased significantly in Delhi, but the government is doing nothing. They're simply making excuses and shifting blame to other states. BJP holds power in UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Why didn't they coordinate with these states before Diwali?" he questioned.

Rai further alleged that BJP leaders encouraged citizens to burst firecrackers despite the ongoing air emergency in the capital.

AAP state chief Saurabh Bharadwaj mocked CM Rekha Gupta, claiming she couldn't even correctly pronounce "AQI" (Air Quality Index). "The Chief Minister calls it IQ, QQ. She can't even say AQI properly. She has no understanding of the issue. The government has completely failed to address pollution," Bharadwaj stated.

He also accused the government of dishonesty regarding promised artificial rain. "The government claimed they would solve pollution after Diwali through artificial rain. Did that happen? No. If this solution was available, why wasn't it implemented? Do they want people to become ill?" he questioned.

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed posted on X criticizing the BJP-led Delhi government for failing to enforce court orders. "AQI has surpassed 400 in most parts of Delhi, the air is suffocating, and people cannot go outside. Narendra Modi has been Prime Minister for 11 years, and now BJP also has a CM in Delhi who sought court approval for firecrackers. CM Rekha Gupta and Delhi Police failed to implement the court order, allowing crackers until midnight. This toxic air endangers children and the elderly. The BJP government has completely failed Delhi and its citizens," she stated.

The BJP defended its position by blaming neighboring states for the pollution crisis. Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, "Delhi is bearing the brunt of pollution from neighboring states, with stubble being burnt despite Supreme Court directives."

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya claimed Delhi would continue suffering unless "Punjab stops burning stubble." He stated, "Stop blaming Deepawali for the Aam Aadmi Party's sins—it's their smoke, not the festival's lamps or firecrackers, that darkens Delhi's skies. Their dark shadow still looms large over the Capital."

Minister Ashish Sood placed responsibility on citizens for ignoring time restrictions on firecrackers. "AQI was high, but firecrackers aren't the only cause. Delhi residents should have followed Supreme Court guidelines. Breaking the 10 pm deadline was irresponsible. People should celebrate according to guidelines to avoid this situation next Diwali," he remarked.

The Supreme Court had permitted green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali, with additional time slots the day before. Despite these restrictions, many residents continued celebrations late into the night.

Sood also claimed pollution increased because "AAP did not take any action in the last 10 years." He added, "Stubble is burnt in Punjab, but the former Arvind Kejriwal government did nothing. The opposition is merely playing politics to hide its failures."

Delhi's air quality deteriorated significantly after Diwali celebrations exceeded the Supreme Court's two-hour limit. By 11 am, the city's AQI reached 359, falling in the 'very poor' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board. Earlier readings showed 352 at 8 am, 351 at 7 am, 347 at 6 am, and 346 at 5 am.

Of 38 monitoring stations, 35 recorded 'red zone' readings, indicating 'very poor' to 'severe' air quality—31 stations registered 'very poor' and four showed 'severe' conditions.

Delhi's 24-hour average AQI on Monday was 345. Neighboring regions also suffered, with Haryana recording an AQI of 358. In Punjab, Amritsar showed an AQI of 212, Jalandhar 242, and Ludhiana 268.