Rahul Gandhi Slams Govt Over Rising Air Pollution, Says It Came to Power Through ‘Vote Theft’
Congress leader accuses BJP of apathy towards worsening air quality, defends citizens’ right to peaceful protest for clean air
New Delhi, Nov 10: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday strongly criticised the Centre for detaining citizens protesting against rising air pollution at Delhi’s India Gate, saying that clean air is a fundamental human right and peaceful demonstrators should not be treated like criminals.
In a post on X, Gandhi said the government that “came to power through vote chori” is showing complete indifference toward the escalating pollution crisis that is affecting millions across India. He called for immediate and decisive steps to address the deteriorating air quality instead of silencing citizens demanding action.
“The right to clean air is a basic human right. The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by our Constitution. Why are citizens who have been peacefully demanding clean air being treated like criminals? Air pollution is affecting crores of Indians, harming our children and the future of our nation,” Gandhi wrote.
“But the government which came to power through vote chori simply doesn’t care, nor is it even attempting to solve this crisis. We need to take decisive action on air pollution right now instead of attacking citizens asking for clean air,” the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha added.
Earlier in the day, Delhi Police detained several protestors at India Gate, saying the location was not a designated protest site. New Delhi district DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla stated, “India Gate is not a protest site. The designated protest site is Jantar Mantar as per Supreme Court’s directions. We have advised everyone to follow the guidelines.”
Meanwhile, AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar, who joined the protest, accused the BJP government of manipulating air quality data by sprinkling water near AQI monitors to show reduced pollution levels.
“The BJP is manipulating AQI data to hide the real situation. Even BJP members should be standing here demanding clean air, but instead, they sit at home with their air purifiers,” Kakkar told ANI.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category on Sunday, with an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 391 at 7 a.m. Several parts of the national capital reported AQI levels above 400, indicating hazardous pollution levels.
