Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has written a strongly worded letter to former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of neglect and “criminal inaction” in tackling the capital’s worsening air pollution. The communication has sparked a fresh political clash between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In his 15-page letter, Saxena alleged that Kejriwal failed to act decisively during his tenure, citing stalled infrastructure projects, unchecked dust pollution, poor water management, and weak governance practices as reasons for Delhi’s recurring air quality crisis. He claimed that the city has suffered from “11 years of neglect” under Kejriwal’s leadership.
The Aam Aadmi Party dismissed the letter as political theatrics, arguing that the LG should have addressed his concerns to the current BJP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta instead of targeting Kejriwal. Party leaders accused Saxena of attempting to deflect responsibility and politicize the pollution debate.
The BJP, however, demanded that Kejriwal personally respond to the allegations, keeping the issue in the political spotlight. The exchange has intensified the ongoing tussle between the LG’s office and AAP leadership, now further complicated under BJP’s administration in Delhi.
Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 247 in the “poor” category. Doctors have warned of rising respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly, as the city grapples with its annual winter pollution emergency.
UN officials and environmental experts have repeatedly urged coordinated action to address stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and dust control. The LG’s letter has reignited debate over accountability and governance, underscoring the urgent need for effective measures to combat Delhi’s air crisis.
