'Don't Just Blame CM': Manoj Jha Targets PM Modi, Amit Shah Over Delhi Pollution
RJD MP Manoj Jha slams the Centre and Delhi government over the severe air pollution crisis, demanding accountability from PM Modi and Amit Shah.
As the national capital gasps for breath under a blanket of toxic smog, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha has sparked a political row by demanding that the central leadership be held accountable for the Delhi air pollution crisis. Refusing to pin the blame solely on the Delhi Chief Minister, Jha questioned the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in managing the recurring environmental disaster.
The 'Triple-Engine' Accountability
Speaking to ANI on Sunday, Manoj Jha pointed toward the governance structure of the national capital, referencing the BJP's concept of a "triple-engine government." He argued that since the Centre holds significant power over the city's administration, the top leadership cannot remain bystanders while the air quality plummets.
"You wanted a triple-engine government; here it is. Shouldn't the Prime Minister and Amit Shah be questioned? I won't blame the Delhi CM alone," Jha stated emphatically.
A Cycle of Forgetfulness
The RJD MP expressed frustration over the seasonal nature of the pollution discourse. He lamented that the issue is treated as a temporary crisis rather than a systemic failure. According to Jha, the pattern remains the same every year: the city suffocates in October and November, stubble burning is used as a convenient excuse, and the problem is forgotten once the rains arrive.
He posed a critical question to the authorities regarding their year-round strategy: "What preparations have you made throughout the year to tackle this situation?"
Opposition's Role vs. Government's Duty
Addressing the dynamics of parliamentary democracy, Jha clarified that it is not the responsibility of the opposition to provide solutions or implement action plans. He noted that while the opposition will continue to raise questions, demand debates, and bring the matter to the Zero Hour, the actual execution of a roadmap to clean the air rests entirely with the government.
Delhi's Air Quality Hits 'Severe' Mark
The political firestorm comes at a time when the city's air quality has reached alarming levels. On Sunday morning, the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) plummeted to 483, firmly placing the city in the 'severe' category.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) revealed a grim picture across various sectors of the city:
- Punjabi Bagh: 449 AQI
- RK Puram: 448 AQI
- Bawana: 446 AQI
- IIT Delhi & Rohini: 445 AQI each
- Patparganj: 421 AQI
- Chandni Chowk: 420 AQI
- Alipur: 413 AQI
GRAP Stage III Invoked
In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR on Friday. This move came just two days before Diwali, as officials feared that festive celebrations would further exacerbate the already critical pollution levels.