Delhi's pollution: Protest by opposition led by Sonia Gandhi within Parliament premises, demands immediate action from government

New Delhi: The opposition, led by Sonia Gandhi, protested in the Parliament premises on Thursday against the deteriorating air quality in Delhi. Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and party president Mallikarjun Kharge, wearing masks, expressed severe concern over the government's inaction on the toxic air issue and demanded immediate action.

During the protest, Sonia Gandhi said that Delhi's polluted air has become a serious threat to children, the elderly, and patients with respiratory diseases, but the government has not taken any effective steps so far. She emphasized that this is not a political issue but a public health issue, and it is the government's responsibility to present a comprehensive strategy immediately.

Priyanka Gandhi criticized the Prime Minister's recent comment, saying, "What season are we enjoying? Look at the outside conditions, children can't breathe." She said that every year the intensity of pollution increases, but due to the lack of concrete steps, the problems of the public persist. Priyanka Gandhi stated that the opposition is ready to support the government in every serious effort, provided the government takes real steps.

Mallikarjun Kharge said in his statement that pollution is not just a seasonal issue but a deep health crisis affecting millions of people. He demanded that the government hold a detailed discussion in Parliament and formulate a strategy that meets immediate and long-term needs.

The protest, which took place near the main gate of Parliament, saw opposition members holding a large banner with critical comments on the severity of pollution and the government's negligence. The members also raised slogans, emphasizing that the capital's air is becoming more dangerous with each passing day.

On the other hand, on Thursday morning, Delhi's air quality remained "poor" despite slight improvement, and experts warned that if immediate actions are not taken, the situation could reach the "severe" level at any time. The Meteorological Department has predicted clear weather, but the possibility of being affected by pollution remains due to cold winds.

Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders demanded that the government take concrete actions instead of just making statements, so that millions of citizens living in Delhi and surrounding areas can be saved from the constant threat of toxic air. They said that a unified national strategy is necessary now, and delaying it would be an injustice to public health.