Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta encountered an unexpected and stark public reaction on Monday while welcoming global football icon Lionel Messi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Instead of cheers, sections of the crowd loudly chanted "AQI, AQI," directly referencing the city's hazardous air quality levels, which had soared into the severe category.
Severe Pollution Overshadows High-Profile Event
The incident, captured in a video that quickly went viral online, highlighted the growing public frustration over the capital's persistent pollution crisis. On that day, Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) began at a alarming 498 in the morning, a figure deep in the 'severe' zone. Although it improved slightly, it remained dangerously high at 427 by the evening.
The Central Pollution Control Board data revealed the widespread nature of the problem. A total of 27 monitoring stations across Delhi recorded 'severe' air quality. The Wazirpur area was the worst affected, registering a peak AQI of 475.
Political Backlash and Public Health Crisis
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) swiftly seized on the moment to criticize its political rivals. AAP's Delhi unit chief, Saurabh Bharadwaj, shared the viral clip on social media platform X with the caption, "International Shame, Crowd for Messi shouts 'AQI, AQI' as soon as Delhi CM Rekha Gupta arrives."
Bharadwaj accused the BJP-led central government and the Delhi Lieutenant Governor's administration of inaction as toxic air engulfed Delhi-NCR and parts of North India. "In a country where everyone is talking about pollution, the prime minister is just silent on the issue," he stated.
Life Disrupted by Dense Smog
The severe pollution had tangible consequences for Delhi's residents beyond the political spectacle. For the third consecutive day, the city's air quality languished in the 'severe' category. A dense layer of smog:
- Reduced visibility significantly across the city.
- Obscured the capital's skyline.
- Forced many commuters to wear masks as a necessary precaution during their daily travels.
The event marked the conclusion of the Lionel Messi G.O.A.T. India Tour at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, which followed a previously chaotic schedule in Kolkata just two days earlier, on Saturday.
