NEW DELHI: On Wednesday, the Delhi BJP accused minister Gopal Rai of playing “petty politics” by attributing the city’s pollution to Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, while downplaying the impact of Punjab.
Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva claimed that the AAP government was “misleading” the public regarding the pollution caused by stubble burning, and called for Rai’s resignation.
Sachdeva further asserted that Punjab was the primary contributor to Delhi’s pollution. He cited data showing that between September 15 and October 22, there were 1,581 instances of stubble burning in Punjab, compared to 665 in Haryana and 740 in Uttar Pradesh.
He also alleged that the Supreme Court had criticized the Punjab government for shielding farmers involved in stubble burning.
Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav also weighed in, criticizing Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s inability to effectively manage pollution.
In response, the AAP accused the Delhi BJP president of “misrepresenting” the Supreme Court’s statements, pointing out that the Court had criticized both the central government and Haryana. The party argued that the central government’s own data showed a significant reduction in stubble burning in Punjab—over 50%—while the practice had increased by 23% in Haryana and 70% in Uttar Pradesh. AAP also claimed that Delhi is currently experiencing its cleanest air in a decade.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have planned a protest over Yamuna River pollution at the ITO chhath ghat on Wednesday.
