AAP accuses BJP of inciting people to burst firecrackers; BJP slams AAP, I.N.D.I alliance for targeting Hindus & Diwali

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday accused the BJP of “inciting” people to burst firecrackers in a targeted manner after Delhi's post-Diwali air quality.  The BJP, however, responded to the accusation saying that AAP & I.N.D.I alliance are now targeting Hindus and Diwali.AAP senior leader and Delhi Minister Gopal Rai said," The bursting of firecrackers has increased pollution levels in Delhi. Not many people have burst firecrackers but, it was done in some places in a targeted manner. The way BJP leaders were inciting people, its result can be seen today..."Shehzad Jai Hind, national spokesperson of the BJP said AAP and I.N.D.I alliance are now targeting Hindus & Diwali. Referring to Rai’s statement, he asked what was source of pollution was 10 days ago when AQI was above 600-700.The BJP leader also said that Rai’s statement comes even as Parali burning crosses 900 yesterday in Punjab despite SC warnings. Overall there have been above 23000 incidents of Parali burning in Punjab, he said.Air quality in Delhi and surrounding cities reached hazardous levels a day after Diwali due to the widespread violation of the firecracker ban across the National Capital Region (NCR) on Sunday raising serious environmental concerns.Realtime air monitoring platforms on Monday morning pegged the air quality index (AQI) above 500, with some places touching as high as 900. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium recorded an AQI of 910, Lajpat Nagar 959 and Karol Bagh 779 at about 6 am, according to aqi.in.According to reports, the city of joy Kolkata and the financial capital of Mumbai have joined New Delhi to be among the world’s worst 10 for pollution on Monday morning, with smoke heavy in the air a day after revellers let loose with firecrackers for Diwali.The average AQI was around 300 in most places, according to data recorded by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The level of PM2.5 pollutants crossed 500 at most places across the city during the day.