Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a sharp critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday, demanding answers for the persistent poor air quality in Delhi despite a significant reduction in stubble burning incidents in his state. He accused the central government of engaging in a "political blame game" to tarnish Punjab's image.
The Core Argument: Data vs. Narrative
In a video message, Mann pointedly questioned the continued blaming of Punjab's farmers for the toxic air in the National Capital Region (NCR). He presented a compelling counter-argument based on current data. The Chief Minister asserted that farm fires in Punjab have reduced by 70 to 80 percent this season, a fact he noted was confirmed by the Centre in the Rajya Sabha and referenced by the Union Agriculture Minister.
"Punjab is accused of stubble burning to hold the state responsible for air pollution in Delhi. But this time, I want to appreciate and congratulate the state's farmers for a 70% to 80% dip in the farm fires," Mann stated. He highlighted that with wheat already sown, no stubble burning is currently happening in Punjab, yet Delhi's Air Quality Index (AQI) remains dangerously high.
Contrasting Air Quality and Questioning the Science
Mann drew a stark contrast between the air quality in the two regions to bolster his case. He noted that while Delhi is grappling with severe pollution, leading to flight cancellations and construction bans, Punjab's cities are reporting AQI levels between 70 and 130. This stands in sharp contrast to Delhi's AQI, which has been hovering between 450 and 500.
"It means Punjab is in no way responsible for Delhi's pollution," Mann argued. He further challenged the meteorological logic of the blame, stating, "For smoke from Punjab to reach Delhi in 10-15 days, wind speed should be at least 50 km per hour in a north to south direction, which happens rarely." He supported this by mentioning that a retired National Green Tribunal (NGT) member had also previously stated Punjab was blamed without reason.
A Call to Shift Focus and Appreciate Farmers
The Chief Minister's message carried a dual appeal: to stop defaming Punjab's farmers and to focus on solving Delhi's own pollution sources. "You should now take care of Delhi's environment as you can no longer blame smoke from Punjab," he directed towards the Centre. He emphasized that Punjab's farmers, who feed the nation, are the first victims of any local stubble burning, facing immediate health hazards.
Mann also recalled that despite a delayed paddy harvest in Punjab due to floods, Delhi ministers were quick to blame the state's smoke for deteriorating air quality. He urged the central government to finally acknowledge the efforts of Punjab's cultivators. "I would urge the Centre to at least appreciate Punjab's farmers now," he concluded, framing the entire issue as a long-standing political tactic to malign the state.
