Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday called the worsening air pollution in Delhi a “health emergency” and urged the Centre to present a strict, enforceable action plan to tackle the crisis. He also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence as toxic air continues to choke residents of the national capital.

Gandhi said he met several mothers who expressed fear and frustration over their children growing up in severely polluted air. Sharing a video of his conversation with them, he said many families felt helpless as the situation persisted.

Seeks accountability, detailed action plan

In a post on X, the Leader of Opposition said the government was showing “no urgency, no plan, no accountability” despite the alarming conditions. He demanded an immediate debate in Parliament on the pollution emergency and stressed that India’s children deserved clean air instead of “excuses and distractions”.

Gandhi also asked why the government was not taking responsibility for the prolonged deterioration in air quality across the national capital region.

Delhi’s air quality remains in ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ range

Delhi has been struggling with very poor air quality for nearly two weeks. Forecasts by the Air Quality Early Warning System indicate that the pollution levels are expected to stay in the ‘very poor’ category over the coming week as well.

With pollution-linked ailments rising, doctors have advised regular diagnostic screening, especially for asthma patients, children, smokers and those with cardiac or respiratory conditions. Experts warn that toxic air can worsen inflammation, reduce lung capacity and aggravate pre-existing diseases.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday criticised Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar for urging voters to support his party candidates with the promise of assured development funds. Calling the comment unacceptable, Sharad Pawar said seeking votes on monetary assurances undermines democratic values.

Sharad Pawar questions fund-linked appeal for votes

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, the senior Pawar said it was “not appropriate” to ask people to vote based on financial commitments.
Ajit Pawar had recently told voters in Malegaon, Baramati tehsil, that his party would ensure no shortage of funds if its candidates were elected, but if voters rejected them, he would “reject” too.

Sharad Pawar said, “Instead of asking for votes based on work, the appeal is being made on the basis of financial assurances. This is inappropriate. If the only goal is to win elections using financial factors, then such comments are unnecessary.”

Local body elections across Maharashtra are scheduled for December 2.

Farmers’ aid ‘not enough’, says Pawar

Sharad Pawar also criticised the state government’s response to farmers who suffered damage due to recent heavy rains and floods. He noted that the loan recovery pause for one year may offer temporary relief but will not be effective in the long term.

“Looking at the losses, the state should have provided partial financial aid to farmers. That would have helped adequately,” he said.

In the midst of an ongoing tussle over the chief minister’s chair in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar has delivered a pointed reminder about the importance of keeping one’s word — a remark widely interpreted as a signal to the party high command.

Shivakumar stresses value of commitment

Speaking at an event, Shivakumar said that “word power is world power”, emphasising that honouring commitments is among the “biggest powers” anyone can exercise. His comments come at a moment when debates over a possible rotational chief ministership are intensifying.

While addressing supporters, he also made a lighthearted but sharp remark involving the symbolic “chair”, saying those standing behind him “don’t know the value of a chair”, prompting laughter at the venue.

Leadership tussle resurfaces

Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have been locked in a prolonged leadership contention since the Congress victory in 2023. Shivakumar’s camp insists the party had agreed to a two-and-a-half-year rotational arrangement — a claim Siddaramaiah’s side denies.

Over the past two weeks, MLAs from Shivakumar’s faction have been making multiple visits to Delhi, fuelling speculation that a leadership change may be imminent. According to information accessed by media, December 1 is being viewed as a possible deadline for any power transition.

High command to take final call

Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge has said the leadership is working to resolve the standoff. He noted that he, along with Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, will decide on the matter.

Siddaramaiah has publicly reiterated that the decision must come from the high command. Shivakumar, too, has stated that he has not demanded the top post and does not want to embarrass the party, saying leadership matters involve “five or six” senior figures.