Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has voiced strong criticism of the central government and the BJP, accusing them of inaction as air quality across North India continues to deteriorate. Highlighting the severity of the situation, she pointed to rampant stubble burning in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan and called for a unified national strategy to address the crisis.

Speaking at a press briefing, Atishi described the dire health emergency unfolding in Delhi. “People are struggling to breathe. Last night, I received calls from residents rushing elderly family members to hospitals and seeking medical help for children. This is a regional health emergency,” she said, noting that air quality in many northern cities has plummeted to “severe” or “very poor” levels.

Progress in Punjab, Rise in Other BJP-Ruled States

Atishi acknowledged that Punjab, governed by her party, the AAP, had reduced stubble burning incidents significantly, with only 8,404 cases reported this year. However, she highlighted sharp increases in BJP-ruled states. “There’s been a 60% rise in stubble burning cases in Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh currently has the highest rate, with over 700 incidents daily,” she said, urging other states to follow Punjab’s example.

“For six to seven years, stubble burning incidents have been rising nationwide. If Punjab can achieve an 80% reduction, why can’t other states?” she asked, emphasizing the burden hospitals across North India face due to pollution-related illnesses.

Call for Central Government Accountability

Atishi called on the BJP and the central government to prioritize solutions over political disputes. “Pollution doesn’t respect state boundaries or political affiliations. It affects every child, regardless of whether their family supports AAP or BJP,” she said.

Criticizing the Centre’s distribution of masks in Delhi as a superficial gesture, she said, “The central government needs to focus on real solutions instead of political stunts.” She also pointed out that severe pollution is not limited to Delhi but affects cities like Bahadurgarh, Lucknow, Patna, and Bhiwani.

“Is the Delhi government responsible for stubble burning in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh?” she questioned, asserting that the central government must take the lead in addressing the nationwide issue.

Calling the crisis a “medical emergency,” Atishi urged immediate action to protect public health and criticized what she described as political rhetoric replacing meaningful interventions.