Opposition Protests Against Air Pollution in Delhi-NCR
In a significant protest, opposition lawmakers gathered at the Parliament complex to voice their concerns over severe air pollution affecting Delhi-NCR. Wearing oxygen masks and holding banners, they criticized Prime Minister Modi's remarks and demanded a parliamentary discussion on the issue. Congress leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, joined the demonstration, emphasizing the urgent need for the government to declare pollution a national health emergency. With rising evidence linking pollution to serious health risks, the opposition is calling for immediate action to address this critical situation.
Dec 4, 2025, 12:49 IST
Opposition Demonstrates Against Air Quality Issues
On Thursday, opposition lawmakers staged a protest in front of the Makar Dwaar within the Parliament complex, voicing their concerns over air pollution affecting Delhi-NCR and parts of northern India. Members of Parliament donned oxygen masks and held banners mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, one of which read, "Enjoy the weather." This remark was a response to comments made by Modi during the opening of the winter session of Parliament. The protesting leaders chanted slogans demanding a discussion on air pollution in Parliament.
Congress Leaders Join the Protest
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party, participated in the demonstration outside the Parliament building. Earlier in the day, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari criticized the government regarding pollution issues, stating to a news agency that opposition members would protest to draw the government's attention. He expressed that outsiders might not comprehend the situation, likening Delhi and some other cities to gas chambers where citizens are trapped. He held both the central and state BJP governments accountable for this crisis.
Calls for National Health Emergency
On the fourth day of the winter session, Congress MPs Manickam Tagore, Manish Tewari, and Vijaykumar, also known as Vijay Vasant, submitted notices to discuss air quality in northern India. The Congress leaders urged the government to declare pollution a national health emergency. In his notice to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, Tagore stated that the government has become ineffective, issuing advisories instead of taking action, forming committees rather than providing solutions, and resorting to slogans instead of a coordinated national strategy. He highlighted the increasing evidence that pollution raises the risk of diseases such as cancer, kidney issues, gastrointestinal disorders, and diabetes, yet the government refuses to prioritize pollution as a national health concern.