New Delhi: Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has strongly criticized the government for detaining protestors in Delhi who were demonstrating against the city's severe air pollution. Gandhi took to social media to voice his concerns, stating that citizens have a fundamental right to clean air and that the government's actions were unacceptable.

"Air pollution is harming our children and the future of our nation," Gandhi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He accused the government of not caring about the issue and of treating peaceful demonstrators like criminals. He urged decisive action to address the air quality crisis in Delhi.

The protests occurred as Delhi's air quality plummeted into the 'severe' category, raising concerns among residents and environmental activists. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) for Delhi stood at 391 at 7 am on Sunday, with several areas exceeding the 400 mark, which is considered hazardous. The worsening air quality has triggered Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Other opposition parties have also joined in criticizing the government's handling of the situation. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar accused the BJP government of manipulating pollution data to downplay the severity of the crisis. Kakkar alleged that the BJP was attempting to hide the truth while people suffer and that even BJP leaders were using air purifiers at home instead of addressing the issue publicly.

Protestors at India Gate reported that they were being prevented from demonstrating peacefully. Delhi Police urged the demonstrators to move their protest to Jantar Mantar, stating that India Gate is not a designated protest site.

This is not the first time Gandhi has been detained during protests. Back in August, Gandhi and other opposition leaders were detained during a protest against the Election Commission, alleging electoral malpractices. Gandhi has consistently maintained that his actions are to save the constitution and ensure fair elections.

The current situation in Delhi highlights the ongoing struggle between citizens demanding their rights and a government accused of suppressing dissent. The issue of air pollution in Delhi remains a critical concern, with potential long-term health consequences for its residents, especially children. The government's response to both the pollution crisis and the protests will likely continue to draw scrutiny from opposition parties and the public alike.