Atishi Slams BJP Over CAQM Order, Alleges Targeting of Delhi’s Middle Class

By A Staff Reporter

Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly and former Chief Minister, Atishi, on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following the Commission for Air Quality Management’s (CAQM) recent order related to older vehicles in the National Capital Region.

Addressing the media, Atishi said the order disproportionately impacts Delhi’s middle-class families, who often rely on second-hand vehicles for daily transportation. “CAQM's order exposes the BJP. The BJP is troubling Delhi's middle class — whether it's the rising electricity prices, power cuts, or school fees. Now, second-hand vehicles bought by the middle class will be sent to the scrapyard,” she said.

She further alleged that the BJP is acting in coordination with private players. “If the BJP were truly serious, they would bring a law. We say, call a special session, the opposition will support you. But the BJP is in collusion with car scrappers, car dealers, and car manufacturers, so they want to seize 62 lakh vehicles,” she added.

The CAQM’s directive pertains to deregistering 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles as part of efforts to curb air pollution in the capital.