BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi has sparked a major political controversy by accusing protestors of raising slogans in support of Maoist leader Madvi Hidma during recent demonstrations against Delhi's severe air pollution crisis. The senior BJP leader made these allegations while addressing the media, creating a fresh flashpoint in the capital's ongoing environmental debate.
Political Firestorm Over Pollution Protests
During his press conference, Sudhanshu Trivedi did not mince words as he launched a scathing attack on the protestors. The BJP leader claimed that environmental demonstrations had been hijacked by extremist elements who were using the pollution crisis to advance their ideological agenda. Trivedi specifically pointed to slogans that allegedly endorsed Maoist leader Madvi Hidma, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The controversy erupted on November 24, 2025, when Trivedi made these explosive allegations. His comments came at a time when Delhi residents were grappling with hazardous air quality levels that had prompted widespread public outcry and numerous protest actions across the city.
Ideological Battle in Environmental Discourse
Trivedi's remarks framed the pollution protests within a larger ideological context, suggesting what he called "pollution of Marx-Mao" ideology had infiltrated environmental activism. The BJP spokesperson argued that this represented a dangerous trend where legitimate public concerns about air quality were being exploited by anti-national elements.
The reference to Madvi Hidma, a prominent Maoist leader, added significant political weight to the allegations. Hidma is known as the commander of Battalion No. 1 of the People's Liberation Guerrilla Army and has been wanted in numerous cases across several states. His alleged mention in pollution protests created immediate political reverberations.
Broader Implications and Reactions
The BJP leader's statements have intensified the political polarization around Delhi's environmental crisis. While the ruling party has positioned itself as taking concrete measures to address pollution, the opposition has accused the government of diverting attention from its failure to tackle the air quality emergency.
Environmental activists have expressed concern that the political controversy might overshadow the genuine public health emergency facing Delhi residents. With air quality indices frequently entering the 'severe' category, many citizens worry that ideological battles are detracting from urgent action needed to combat pollution.
The development marks a significant escalation in the political discourse surrounding Delhi's annual pollution crisis. As winter sets in and air quality typically deteriorates further, the intersection of environmental activism and political ideology appears set to dominate public conversation in the coming weeks.
