The Delhi BJP on Monday held a symbolic mask distribution campaign held at the Krishi Bhawan Gate of the Central Secretariat Metro Station in a bid to initiate public discussions on the Delhi government’s inaction regarding rising pollution levels.

With the AQI level in the national Capital surpassing 475, the campaign aimed to raise public awareness about the necessity of wearing masks which was led by Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva.

Addressing the media, he stated that Delhiites are being forced to breathe toxic air as the pollution levels have reached an AQI of 475. He criticized the Delhi government’s performance over the past decade, blaming it for the health issues faced by the public, such as coughs and colds.

He posed a direct question to the Delhi government, pointing out that even the imposition of GRAP-4 hasn’t reduced pollution. “Rather than imposing restrictions, efforts should focus on reducing dust in Delhi and addressing stubble burning in Punjab, a matter on which the AAP leadership remains silent,” he said.

He also referred to a recent letter by the former Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot, who was inducted in the BJP on Monday, discussing pollution, terming it a strong rebuttal to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s claims of numerous measures to combat pollution.

“Managing events will not resolve pollution; consistent work throughout the year is required,” he claimed.

South Delhi BJP MP Ramvir Singh Bidhuri highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Delhi the most polluted capital in the world.

He held Arvind Kejriwal solely responsible, citing the failure to improve public transport over the past decade.

“While there were 7,000 buses in 2013, the number has now reduced to 3,500,”Bidhuri said, mentioning the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of Delhi’s poorly maintained roads as a significant contributor to pollution.

He claimed that additionally, incidents of stubble burning in Punjab have reportedly tripled, turning Delhi into a gas chamber.