Delhi's Toxic War: BJP, AAP Trade Blame Over Punjab's Choking Air Quality

This special report examines the intense political blame game between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the deteriorating air quality in Delhi and Punjab, with BJP National Spokesperson Manjinder Singh Sirsa at the centre of the storm. Sirsa made a fiery accusation against the AAP chief, stating, 'Kejriwal ji has ruined Punjab after Delhi... It has become difficult for people to even breathe. Kejriwal ji, why are you harboring so much enmity with Punjab?'. The report highlights the stark contrast in air quality index (AQI) figures, with Sirsa claiming levels above 1100 in cities like Kapurthala. However, this is contrasted with official data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which, while still indicating 'poor' air quality, shows significantly lower figures, such as an average AQI of 228 for Ludhiana versus the 798 claimed by the BJP leader. The situation reflects a recurring political battle where the responsibility for the region's hazardous air is fiercely contested.