Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp criticism against the central government following the detention of citizens protesting for clean air in Delhi. The political leader accused authorities of treating ordinary citizens like criminals for demanding their right to breathe clean air.
Government Faces Backlash Over Protest Handling
In a strongly worded statement released on November 10, 2025, Gandhi expressed outrage at how peaceful protesters were handled by law enforcement agencies. The demonstrators had gathered to voice their concerns about the deteriorating air quality in the national capital region, which has reached hazardous levels in recent weeks.
The Congress MP didn't mince words when he stated that citizens were being treated like criminals simply for asking for what should be a fundamental right - clean air to breathe. This marks one of the most direct confrontations between the opposition and the government on environmental issues this year.
Urgent Call for Action on Pollution Crisis
Gandhi emphasized the need for decisive action on air pollution "right now", highlighting the urgency of the situation. Rather than addressing the root cause of the problem, he accused the government of focusing its energy on attacking citizens who are raising legitimate concerns about public health.
The political leader's statement comes at a time when Delhi and surrounding areas have been experiencing severe air quality issues, with pollution levels consistently remaining in the 'very poor' to 'severe' categories. Medical professionals have warned about the serious health implications, particularly for children, elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Growing Public Anger Over Environmental Neglect
The detention of clean air activists has sparked wider discussions about environmental rights and freedom of expression in India. Many citizens have taken to social media to express solidarity with the detained protesters, sharing their own experiences with air pollution and demanding concrete government action.
Environmental experts point out that this incident reflects the growing public frustration with what they perceive as inadequate measures to combat air pollution. Despite various policies and initiatives announced over the years, tangible improvements in air quality remain elusive, leading to increased public activism and demands for accountability.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on how the government will respond to both the pollution crisis and the criticism from opposition leaders. The coming days are likely to see increased political debate around environmental policies and citizens' rights to protest for basic living conditions.
