The politics of pollution in Delhi is intensifying following Diwali 2025, as the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared due to firecracker emissions and residual stubble burning in Punjab. The AAP government is accused by the BJP of failing to control pollution and selectively targeting Hindu festivals like Diwali.
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa hit back, stating that AAP is using the pollution issue to appease certain communities and that Delhiites flouted Supreme Court-mandated cracker timings. Sirsa also claimed that the actual AQI spike was just 32 points, disputing AAP's allegations of data being withheld, and blamed stubble burning in Punjab-allegedly encouraged by the AAP-for worsening the situation.
