Rahul Gandhi seeks Parliamentary debate on air pollution

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the government's handling of the hazardous air pollution and demanded a parliamentary debate on the issue aimed at evolving an enforceable action plan. "Every mother I meet tells me the same thing; her child is growing up breathing toxic air. They are exhausted, scared and angry. Modi ji, India's children are choking in front of us. How can you stay silent? Why does your government show no urgency, no plan, no accountability?" Gandhi said while releasing a video of his interaction with a group of mothers concerned about the air pollution. "India needs an immediate, detailed Parliament debate on air pollution and a strict, enforceable action plan to tackle this health emergency. Our children deserve clean air - not excuses and distractions."

Ahead of the Congress parliamentary strategy group's meeting scheduled for Sunday to discuss its House plans, the party's Lok Sabha whip Manickam Tagore raised the problems BLOs are facing during the Election Commission's special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and questioned the Centre's motive behind the drive.

"Why must BLOs - teachers, women, public servants - suffer for the ego of Amit Shah and Gyanesh Kumar? Abusive anonymous calls at night, threats from officials, impossible targets. This is not election management. This is coercion," Tagore said. "If democracy is healthy, why weaponise SIR to bend BLOs?... Democracy doesn't collapse in one day. It collapses when those who protect it are humiliated and terrorised. Shah and Gyanesh Kumar owe answers. Not threats."