Delhi Pollution Row Escalates: Arvind Kejriwal Blames BJP Governments, Claims AQI ‘Manipulated
A day after being “requested with folded hands” to not aggravate Delhi’s pollution crisis, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Delhi, alleging that the national capital has never witnessed such severe pollution levels during AAP’s tenure in power.
Kejriwal’s remarks come amid an escalating political war over responsibility for Delhi’s worsening air quality, with both parties trading accusations as the city continues to choke under ‘severe’ pollution levels.
Context: Political Blame Game Over Delhi’s Air Crisis
The controversy intensified a day after Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused AAP leaders of deliberately burning waste to spike pollution levels, urging Kejriwal to refrain from what he termed “dirty politics”.
Responding from Punjab, Kejriwal rejected the allegations and accused the BJP government of mismanaging the crisis and deflecting blame.
‘Delhi’s Pollution Is Its Own’: Kejriwal
Addressing a press conference alongside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal said the long-standing narrative of stubble burning in Punjab causing Delhi’s pollution no longer holds.
“It was earlier said that pollution in Delhi was due to stubble burning in Punjab. But now, across cities in Punjab, the AQI is between 70 and 100. There is no smog, no stubble burning. So whatever pollution is present in Delhi is its own,” Kejriwal said.
He further claimed that official air quality data was being manipulated.
“The official AQI is manipulated because water is being sprinkled near AQI meters. Despite that, AQI is crossing 400 or 450. The real AQI might be above 700 or 800,” he alleged.
Allegations Over Delay in GRAP-IV Implementation
The former Delhi chief minister accused the BJP-led Delhi government of delaying the implementation of GRAP Stage IV, the strictest set of anti-pollution measures.
“For many days, GRAP-IV was not allowed to be implemented. Even after it was announced, construction work continued. GRAP Stage IV was implemented only on paper,” Kejriwal alleged.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) enforced GRAP-IV measures after Delhi’s AQI entered the ‘severe’ category on December 13.
Delhi Government’s Counter-Allegation
Earlier on Wednesday, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused AAP leaders of intentionally worsening pollution.
“I have to say this with regret that AAP is deliberately burning waste to create pollution. They are praying that AQI should increase. They don’t care about the people of Delhi,” Sirsa said at a press briefing.
Sirsa claimed he received information from a Trilokpuri MLA, alleging that an AAP councillor set fire to waste in his ward and recorded a video of the incident.
Kejriwal Targets Prime Minister Modi
Kejriwal also took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of remaining silent while the capital struggles with hazardous air.
“The capital of the country has turned into a gas chamber and the prime minister has not uttered a single word. If the PM has nothing to say on pollution, how will pollution come down?” Kejriwal asked.
Earlier, he also mocked the political leadership’s absence from the issue in a social media post, writing, “Prime Minister in Oman, Leader of Opposition in Germany and the national capital under pollution.”
Why This Matters
Delhi’s pollution crisis affects millions of residents, with health experts repeatedly warning of long-term respiratory and cardiovascular risks. The political confrontation highlights:
- Gaps in coordinated action between states and Centre
- Delays in emergency pollution measures
- The absence of consensus during environmental crises
With AQI levels remaining in the ‘severe’ zone, accountability and effective enforcement are becoming central public concerns.
Conclusion
As Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality, the political blame game between AAP and BJP shows no signs of slowing down. While allegations and counter-allegations dominate the discourse, residents remain exposed to dangerously polluted air, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated, action-driven governance rather than political sparring.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Delhi’s pollution crisis is no longer just an environmental emergency—it has become a test of political responsibility. Beyond accusations and rhetoric, citizens are watching closely to see whether decisive action will finally take precedence over blame.