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.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday took accused Shaheen Saeed to Al Falah University in Faridabad as part of its investigation into the deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort earlier this month. The explosion had claimed 15 lives and triggered a nationwide probe into what authorities say was a terror network linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

Shaheen, earlier addressed as a doctor, worked as a professor at the university and was allegedly involved in forming a team of “terror doctors,” according to officials. Her designation was subsequently removed after the case surfaced.

NIA questions Shaheen on campus movement, visitors

Investigators escorted Shaheen to multiple locations inside the university, including room number 22 where she stayed, her cabin, and the classrooms she used while teaching.
In the presence of university staff, the NIA asked her who visited her on campus and facilitated a meeting between her and the vice-chancellor.

Shaheen, originally from Lucknow, was reportedly given the task of setting up the women’s wing of Pakistan-based JeM in India.

“Terror couple” operated from campus to Mewat, say investigators

Co-accused Muzammil Shakeel Ganai told investigators that he and Shaheen were legally married in 2023, with the ceremony held at a nearby mosque. Both allegedly worked together to build a terror network extending from the university to the Mewat region.

Officials said Shaheen’s main role involved recruiting individuals, especially women, into the network.

Later on Thursday, the NIA took her to Khori Jamalpur in Faridabad, where she and Muzammil had rented a flat. She was subsequently brought back to Delhi.