AAP Criticizes BJP as Delhi’s Air Quality Reaches Crisis Levels

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a pointed criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the deteriorating air quality in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently fallen into the ‘poor’ to ‘very poor’ categories. The situation has escalated to the extent that iconic landmarks, such as India Gate, have become obscured by thick smog. On November 2, 2025, AAP’s Delhi unit highlighted this issue with a striking post on social media, stating, “India Gate has disappeared in Delhi… No matter how much the government tampers with the AQI, India Gate has exposed the BJP’s true colors by vanishing behind the smog.”

In a video shared on social media platform X, former Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj was filmed outside an air quality monitoring station. The footage featured multiple trucks, which Bharadwaj alleged belonged to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). He accused the MCD of spraying water around the Pollution Monitoring Centre located at ISBT to manipulate AQI readings. AAP asserted, “Water is being sprayed day and night… so that the machines show lower AQI readings and false data can be presented to the world.”

The political fallout from the air quality crisis has attracted attention beyond AAP. Aaditya Thackeray, a leader from the Shiv Sena (UBT), expressed similar concerns, describing the pollution levels in Delhi as “worrisome.” He raised questions about the government’s intentions, stating, “What’s more worrisome is the strategies made to hide the real AQI numbers. What problem does the Union and State Government have to accept the situation and bring about socio-political consensus on climate action?”

The ongoing air quality crisis has become a significant issue for Delhi residents, who have been experiencing health impacts from the pollution. With the AQI remaining at alarming levels, local authorities are facing mounting pressure to address the situation effectively.

As the political dispute continues, the public remains concerned about transparency and accountability regarding air quality data. The AAP’s allegations highlight a broader debate about environmental management and governmental responsibility in the face of pressing climate issues.

With the smog enveloping Delhi and visibility severely reduced, residents are left to grapple with the consequences of poor air quality on their health and well-being. The ongoing discourse among political leaders reflects a growing urgency to confront the realities of pollution and take decisive action to improve air quality in the capital.