Delhi Government Blames Punjab's AAP for Diwali Air Pollution

The Delhi government on Tuesday blamed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration in Punjab for the persistent toxic haze that enveloped the national capital, attributing it to significant stubble burning on Diwali night.

Delhi's Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, in a press conference, accused the AAP of engaging in 'religious politics' rather than addressing the root causes of deteriorating air quality — namely, large-scale crop residue burning in Punjab.

Despite the resurgence of cracker-bursting beyond Supreme Court limits, the air quality index only marginally increased this year. Meanwhile, the state government encouraged traditional Diwali celebrations, ensuring that green firecrackers were the only type sold within the city during the festive period.