New Delhi, Jan 8 (NationPress) Following the disruption of the scheduled pollution debate due to repeated adjournments and tumultuous clashes between the ruling BJP and the Opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Delhi Assembly on Thursday, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has called upon Leader of Opposition Atishi and other AAP legislators to take part in the discussion set for Friday.

Speaking to reporters outside the House, which was adjourned without significant business being conducted, Sirsa urged Atishi and all Opposition MLAs to join the comprehensive debate on pollution planned for Friday.

“Avoiding participation does not yield solutions. Engaging in dialogue is crucial if we genuinely aim to tackle pollution and educate the public on the facts,” Sirsa remarked.

He expressed optimism that the Opposition would take part in the discussions, share their perspectives, and engage in a constructive dialogue to ensure that the truth is presented to the people of Delhi.

Sirsa indicated that the BJP-led government would utilize the debate to “unveil” what he referred to as the past AAP government’s failures over the past 11 years in addressing pollution issues in the city.

Clarifying the government's position, Sirsa stated that the discussion was not intended to target any political party but aimed at accountability, transparency, and safeguarding public health.

“Pollution transcends political affiliations. It concerns the health and well-being of millions residing in Delhi,” he stated.

He emphasized that pollution necessitates a fact-oriented, sincere, and solution-focused debate. “Regrettably, throughout its 11-year governance, the AAP government has utterly failed in pollution control. The challenges faced by Delhi today stem from years of policy inaction, empty promises, and evasion of responsibility,” Sirsa claimed.

He highlighted the importance of informing the public about what the previous government accomplished or neglected regarding pollution control over the last decade.

“In contrast, our government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has undertaken decisive and effective measures within just 11 months, resulting in the cleanest air days observed in recent years,” he asserted.

Highlighting the severity of the issue, Sirsa stated that air pollution is directly tied to public health and should not be trivialized into political conflict.

He noted that the Delhi Legislative Assembly session was extended by an extra day to facilitate a thorough and meaningful discussion on pollution and its long-term resolutions.

“A comprehensive discussion in the Assembly is vital to investigate the genuine causes of pollution, assess the missteps over the years, and propose time-bound and sustainable solutions,” he mentioned.

Sirsa accused the House proceedings of being repeatedly disrupted due to the use of inappropriate language by the Leader of the Opposition concerning revered Guru Sahibs, leading to a loss of two essential days without substantive dialogue.

“Today was supposed to be the final day of the session. However, our focus remains on ensuring that a serious discourse regarding pollution occurs for the benefit of Delhi's future and public health,” he stated.

He expressed hope that the Opposition would engage constructively in the debate, share their perspectives, and also consider the government’s position, allowing the people of Delhi to discern who is accountable for the current state and what measures are being undertaken to address it.

Addressing the Opposition, Sirsa pointed out that Leader of the Opposition Atishi had been absent from the House for the past two days, despite her repeated inquiries regarding the lack of discussion on pollution.

“When the chance for debate was available, she opted not to be present,” he concluded.