New Delhi: Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hit back at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday, accusing it of spreading “misleading propaganda” about air pollution levels after Diwali and using AQI data to target Hindu festivals.
Speaking to the media, Sirsa alleged that AAP’s campaign against rising pollution is “not about the environment but about defaming Sanatan Dharma and Hindu traditions.”
“Their aim is not to discuss AQI; it is to defame a particular religion and its festivals. They are trying to create a narrative against Diwali and Hindu traditions,” Sirsa said.
Citing data comparisons from previous years, Sirsa claimed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) had seen a smaller spike this year despite firecrackers being allowed.
“In 2020, AQI rose from 414 before Diwali to 435 after Diwali — a 21-point increase. Last year, even with a complete firecracker ban, AQI rose from 328 to 360 — a 32-point jump. This year, despite firecrackers being allowed, AQI rose from 335 to 356 — only a 21-point increase,” he said.
Sirsa emphasised that the pollution issue in Delhi is decades old, and blamed both AAP and Congress governments for “27 years of policy failure.”
“This pollution didn’t begin in 2025. It’s a 27-year-old disease left behind by AAP and Congress. We are working to fix it,” Sirsa added.
When asked about Supreme Court’s 10 PM deadline violation for bursting crackers, the minister said enforcement responsibility lies with the Delhi Police, but maintained that the BJP government was committed to improving the situation.
“Even with increased construction and vehicular growth, we’ve managed to reduce pollution levels by five points in seven months. Delhi’s green mobility and construction regulations are being strictly implemented,” he said.
Sirsa also appealed to citizens not to link air quality debates with religion, saying,
“Don’t defame Diwali. Pollution control is a collective responsibility — of government, police, and citizens alike.”
