Parliament Clash: Air Pollution Concerns and Election Politics Fuel Fiery Debate

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh demands a debate on Delhi's air pollution, amidst a politically charged session in Parliament. Discussions range from the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' to allegations against BJP concerning election reforms. Congress accuses BJP of altering voter rolls before West Bengal elections.

In a heated session in Parliament, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday invoked Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha, calling for an emergency debate on the dire air pollution levels in Delhi. This move coincides with a contentious discussion on the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram' initiated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, leading to friction between the government and the opposition.

The opposition argued that the timing of the 'Vande Mataram' debate was strategically planned ahead of the impending West Bengal assembly elections, a claim Shah rebuffed. He implored critics to reassess the significance and legacy of the national song. "Some believe the debate is election-related; they need a fresh perspective," Shah asserted.

Simultaneously, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge launched an attack on the BJP, accusing its ideological predecessors of siding with British interests during the 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement when Congress leaders were imprisoned. As the Lok Sabha continued to navigate discussions surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) by the Election Commission, Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, intensified accusations of collusion between the Election Commission and the BJP, alleging manipulations in voter rolls.