Delhi pollution controversy: AAP accuses BJP of manipulating AQI data, residents protest, leaders demand clean air and accountability.

Thousands of Delhi residents, along with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against the worsening pollution levels in the city. Citizens expressed frustration at the BJP government’s inaction and alleged manipulation of air quality data, demanding immediate accountability.

For the past four months, Delhiites have been forced to breathe hazardous air. Under the leadership of AAP Delhi state convenor Saurabh Bhardwaj, protesters criticized the BJP government for its negligence and accused it of falsifying Air Quality Index (AQI) data. “The government is misleading the public and damaging India’s global image by manipulating AQI data,” Bhardwaj said. He added that if pollution issues were openly discussed in the Assembly, the BJP would be exposed internationally, which is why they are avoiding debates.

AQI Manipulation Allegations

Saurabh Bhardwaj claimed that AQI readings from government monitors do not match independent data from embassies in Delhi. For instance, the American Embassy recorded an AQI of 400, whereas the government station showed only 300. “Whenever pollution spikes, monitoring stations are shut down or water is sprinkled on sensors to generate false readings,” he alleged.

Yamuna Pollution: More Lies

Bhardwaj also criticized the BJP government’s claims of cleaning the Yamuna river, stating that political leaders staged events to portray a clean river, which he called misleading. Environmental Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa reportedly requested four more years to improve conditions, but AAP leaders condemned the pretense.

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BJP Avoiding Assembly Discussion

During the pre-budget Assembly session, four AAP MLAs, including Chief Whip Kuldeep Kumar, Sanjeev Jha, and Jarnail Singh, were expelled for three days without warning after raising pollution concerns. “Instead of addressing serious issues, the government is indulging in theatrics,” Bhardwaj said.

Challenges in Education and Governance

Bhardwaj also criticized Education Minister Ashish Sood, claiming that school fees increased by 20-80% under BJP governance and that the minister failed to address grievances. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister’s office has publicly demanded cleaner schools and streets, highlighting the contradiction between statements and ground realities.

Opposition Leaders Warn of Health Crisis

Opposition leader Atishi highlighted the severe health impacts of Delhi’s pollution. “Elderly citizens are dying, children need inhalers, and hospital beds are overflowing with patients suffering from respiratory diseases,” she said. With AQI levels between 400-500, residents cannot even wear masks safely due to poor air quality indoors.

Protests Continue Outside the Assembly

AAP leaders warned that if the BJP government continues to avoid discussions on pollution, citizens will keep protesting on the streets. Sanjeev Jha said, “Delhiites demand transparency. Manipulating pollution data and engaging in token projects like cloud seeding while ignoring public health is unacceptable. The government must act immediately to ensure clean air and citizen safety.”