The ongoing pollution crisis in Delhi has sparked a heated exchange of words between Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The recent letter from the LG to the CM, admonishing the capital’s status as the most polluted city in the world, has drawn sharp criticism from AAP, labeling the language used as “rude, curt, and bordering on abusive.”

In his letter, Saxena highlighted the alarming findings of the World Air Quality Report 2023, describing Delhi’s pollution levels as a “national shame” and emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the health emergency-like situation. He called out the Kejriwal government for its failure to effectively tackle pollution over the past nine years, asserting that the much-touted “Delhi model” is obscured by a thick haze of smog.

However, AAP hit back, condemning the tone and choice of words employed by the LG, accusing him of resorting to “despicable language.” The party asserted that efforts to combat pollution have been ongoing and criticized Saxena for attempting to shift blame rather than offering constructive solutions.

In response, Saxena defended his stance, stating that he has consistently raised the issue of air pollution with the chief ministers, including Kejriwal, over the past two years but to no avail. He cautioned against engaging in political blame games and urged the government to prioritize tangible actions over rhetoric.

The exchange underscores the deep-rooted challenges posed by air pollution in Delhi and the complexities of addressing them amidst political tensions. As citizens grapple with the harmful effects of pollution, the need for coordinated efforts and constructive dialogue between the LG and the AAP government becomes increasingly crucial in charting a path towards cleaner air and a healthier future for the capital.