Delhi's post-Diwali pollution crisis turned into a political battle this morning with the Opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing the BJP government of weak enforcement and suppressing air-quality data. The ruling party in its response charged the Opposition with finding fault with Hindu festivals after not tackling the problem during 25 years in power. BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal accused the Congress and other Opposition parties of selectively raising pollution only during Hindu festivals. The war of words comes as a thick layer of smoke covers Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) after Diwali celebrations, reducing visibility and taking air pollution into the 'severe' category at several locations. Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) was 373 at 11.05 pm on Sunday, according to Central Pollution Control Board data published on the Sameer application. Alipur, Bawana, Burari, Chandni Chowk, Mundka, Punjabi Bagh, Rohini and Vivek Vihar were among the areas where the AQI crossed 400.
