Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, have strongly criticized the government for detaining individuals protesting Delhi’s severe air pollution at India Gate. Accusations of data manipulation and neglecting citizens’ right to clean air have surfaced. Authorities directed protesters to Jantar Mantar, citing India Gate as an unauthorized demonstration zone, as the capital’s AQI reached hazardous levels, triggering Stage II of GRAP. . NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday slammed the BJP government for detaining people protesting at India Gate over the air pollution in Delhi.The Congress leader, in a post on X, said the right to clean air was a basic human right and accused the government of treating peaceful demonstrators like criminals. “Air pollution is harming our children and the future of our nation. But the government, which came to power through vote chori, simply doesn’t care,” he wrote, urging decisive action to address the crisis.Opposition parties joined in the criticism as the capital’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar, accused the BJP government of manipulating pollution data. “The BJP got water sprinkled on AQI monitors to lower the readings,” she alleged.Protesters at India Gate said they were being stopped from demonstrating peacefully. The Delhi Police urged demonstrators to move their protest to Jantar Mantar, saying India Gate is not a designated protest site. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 391 at 7 am on Sunday, with several areas crossing the 400 mark, a level considered hazardous. The worsening air quality has triggered Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Modi, Shah, Gyanesh Fear Gen Z’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Out Over ‘Vote Theft’ At Bihar RallyTeen Shoots Classmate With Father’s Pistol At Posh Gurugram Society; Victim Critical‘Peeping Into Our Residence’: Aaditya Thackeray Slams MMRDA After Drone Spotted Near Matoshree‘India Is A Continental And Maritime Power, Holds Key Role In Indian Ocean Region’: CDS Anil ChauhanPM Modi Unveils ₹8,000 Crore Projects to Boost Uttarakhand’s InfrastructureEvery Indian Shares Ancestral Roots, No ‘Ahindu’ Exists: Mohan BhagwatFormer Army Commander Warns of Rising Extremist Threat from BangladeshPM Modi Highlights Legal Reforms, Stresses Need for Law in Local Languages‘Rallies Cancelled Due to Low Response’ Congress Responds to PM’s ‘Reject Katta Sarkar…’ RemarkMohsin Naqvi Cornered At ICC Meet In Dubai; Asia Cup Trophy Dispute Turns Into Diplomatic Face-Off123Photostories5 national parks in India where you can spot the endangered wild dogs (dholes)5 high-protein soups you can whip up in 15 minutes or lessBirthday special: Arhaan Khan’s sweetest social media moments with mom Malaika Arora5 must-have Kashmiri winter outfitsFrom heart health to better sleep: 5 reasons why one should consume pumpkin seedsFrom not having enough money to buy a house to putting in their entire savings; Rohit Purohit and Sheena Bajaj’s white haven in Mumbai5 foods that secretly make your face bloated and what to eat insteadHow to make mornings easier before school: 10 real-life tips for moms and dads that actually work’Laal Singh Chaddha’, ‘Action Replayy’, ‘Dil Bole Hadippa!’: Bollywood remakes of Hollywood hits that failed to impress at the box officeShopping a little too much online? 8 creative ways to use discarded delivery packaging123Hot PicksStock market holidayBank HolidayBihar Election 2025Gold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingMarshawn Kneeland Cause of DeathMLB Trade RumorsMLB Trade Rumors Detroit TigersMicah ParsonsFortnite OG Butterfly Live EventMarshawn Kneeland NewsNHL Injury UpdateBO Nix WifeNew Vande Bharat ExpressIndia World Cup Cash Prize
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday slammed the BJP government for detaining people protesting at India Gate over the air pollution in Delhi.The Congress leader, in a post on X, said the right to clean air was a basic human right and accused the government of treating peaceful demonstrators like criminals. “Air pollution is harming our children and the future of our nation. But the government, which came to power through vote chori, simply doesn’t care,” he wrote, urging decisive action to address the crisis.Opposition parties joined in the criticism as the capital’s air quality plunged into the ‘severe’ category. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar, accused the BJP government of manipulating pollution data. “The BJP got water sprinkled on AQI monitors to lower the readings,” she alleged.Protesters at India Gate said they were being stopped from demonstrating peacefully. The Delhi Police urged demonstrators to move their protest to Jantar Mantar, saying India Gate is not a designated protest site. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s overall Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 391 at 7 am on Sunday, with several areas crossing the 400 mark, a level considered hazardous. The worsening air quality has triggered Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
