Delhi is under the shadow of severe air quality as the capital struggles with pollution levels. On Thursday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued rain alerts, predicting relief with light rainfall expected to arrive over the coming days. The temperature, which dipped to 7 degrees Celsius on December 26, is forecasted to peak at 20 degrees.
Further complicate matters, the Indira Gandhi International Airport warned travelers of low visibility conditions affecting flight operations, urging passengers to consult airlines for updates. Such weather conditions are anticipated to persist until December 29, keeping many on alert.
Political tensions are running high as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) engage in war of words. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal lashed out at the BJP for allegedly attempting to undermine the AAP's welfare programs, accusing the opposition of spreading disinformation. Senior BJP leaders, including Shehzad Poonawalla and Virender Sachdeva, countered, dismissing AAP’s claims as mere attempts to deceive voters with unrealistic promises.
Meanwhile, the BJP is preparing for upcoming challenges as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). A meeting held at party president J P Nadda’s residence gathered prominent figures such as Amit Shah and Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, discussing election strategies focused on the adept governance associated with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s legacy. Although no formal agenda was outlined, sources revealed the assembly election in Delhi was among the key topics, alongside the proposed 'one nation, one election' policy.
Nadda took to social media to highlight the successes claimed under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, touting India’s advancements on the global stage.
Separately, the Congress party has hit back as the Delhi Assembly elections draw closer. They unveiled a booklet entitled “Mauka Mauka Har Baar Dhokha,” which candidly addresses the alleged failings of both AAP and the BJP-led Central Government. Congress chief Devender Yadav and senior leaders Ajay Maken and Qazi Nizamuddin presented the booklet, asserting it reflects the true sentiments of the public caught amid conflict between the two major parties.
Maken criticized both governments, condemning their incompetence during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “During the Covid-19 pandemic, people had to wait for days to receive the bodies of their relatives.” Highlighting the promises made and broken, he contrasted the current dire conditions with the achievements of the previous Congress government, where he claimed substantial efforts were made to advance the city.
Maken also insulted AAP’s Kejriwal, labeling him as disconnected from the struggles of the common man, stating, “He carries a Rs 2 pen in his pocket and has named his party 'Aam Aadmi,' but he lives like a king in a glasshouse.”
Emphasizing their independent strategy, Congress reiterated its commitment to winning back control of Delhi, announcing two candidate lists aimed at regaining voters’ trust, as they look to present themselves as the sole party focused on the needs of the citizens.
The political scene, riddled with criticisms, promises, and tension, could very well shape the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
