AAP claims 2 MLAs detained by police during 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign

The AAP on Thursday alleged that party MLAs Jarnail Singh and Haji Yunus were detained by Delhi Police along with several volunteers while they were participating in the Delhi government's 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign.

The ruling party also accused the BJP of obstructing its efforts to curb pollution with the help of police.

Police said Yunus and 16 other people were detained as they were allegedly trying to block traffic and did not heed police warnings to stop.

The 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign aims to encourage drivers to turn off the ignition of their vehicles while waiting for the traffic signal to turn green.

In a post on X in Hindi, the AAP termed the detention of its MLAs ''shameful''.

''Why do BJP people love pollution? The BJP stoops to a new low in politics every day. The BJP is crushing the AAP's efforts to curb pollution with the help of police. AAP MLA @JarnailSinghAAP and Haji Yunus detained by BJP police for spreading awareness,'' it said.

The party also shared pictures of Singh and Yunus being detained by police.

Yunus, the MLA from Mustafabad, said he was detained by police from the Gokalpuri roundabout.

''After stopping the Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign against pollution, Delhi Police detained (me) from the Gokalpuri roundabout. Currently at the police station with my friends,'' he said in a post on X around 3 pm.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (northeast) Joy Tirkey said Yunus and some of his supporters were detained.

''Information was received that a senior leader of a political party was likely to be summoned to join investigation at the ED headquarters on Thursday and a law and order situation could be possible as protesters of the party may gather at different places in Delhi to hold a protest, which may create public nuisance and hamper traffic flow,'' he said.

Around 11 am, some people led by Yunus gathered at the Loni Gol Chakkar. They were carrying placards with pictures of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and posters of the Delhi government's 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign, Tirkey said.

''They were trying to block traffic. Hence, after sufficient warning, they were taken away and detained at Jyoti Nagar police station. We have detained a total of 17 people, including MLA Haji Yunus,'' he added.

Addressing a press conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said it is ''unfortunate'' that the BJP has deployed Delhi Police to stop the city government's campaign.

''The campaign started on October 26 at ITO. On November 2, it was supposed to be held in all 70 assembly constituencies.

''But our MLA Jarnail Singh was detained... Since morning, councillors, volunteers and MLAs are being detained. If people are wearing black bands, why are they (BJP) afraid,'' asked Rai, who is also the AAP's Delhi state convener.

The Delhi government first launched the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign on October 16, 2020.

Vehicular emissions make up 80 per cent of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in Delhi's air, according to government estimates.

A smoky haze blanketed Delhi for the third consecutive day on Thursday with the city recording 'severe' air quality for the first time this season.