BJP vs Congress: Political Row Erupts Over Hidma Posters at Pollution Protest
The political feud between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress intensified on Wednesday after posters of Naxal commander Hidma surfaced at a Delhi protest against pollution, allegedly organized by Congress supporters. The BJP accused the opposition of sympathizing with extremists, while Congress dismissed the claims as a diversion from Delhi’s worsening air quality crisis.
Hidma Posters Spark Controversy
The controversy began when a demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar—ostensibly against rising pollution—featured posters of Hidma, a wanted Naxal leader linked to attacks on security forces, including the 2021 Sukma ambush. Social media footage showed protesters holding Hidma’s image alongside environmental slogans, prompting swift backlash.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra declared, “Masks off, real faces out! Congress’s eco-protest is a front to promote Naxal ideology.” Union Minister Anurag Thakur added, “Why is Congress aligning with a Maoist? Is this their version of environmentalism?”
Congress Counters: ‘BJP’s Diversion Tactic’
Congress leaders denied any connection to the posters, calling them a “BJP-sponsored stunt.” Senior leader Pawan Khera said, “Instead of tackling pollution, they’re fabricating conspiracies.” Delhi Congress chief Anil Chaudhary demanded an inquiry, suggesting “agent provocateurs” planted the material.
Protest organizers distanced themselves, with one activist telling NextMinuteNews: “We’re here for clean air. Someone inserted these posters to sabotage us.”
Political Fallout: ‘Urban Naxal’ Narrative Resurfaces
The BJP’s attack echoes its broader rhetoric linking opposition groups to left-wing extremism. Political analyst Asim Ali noted, “This lets BJP paint Congress as anti-national while deflecting from pollution.” Critics, however, called it an overreach. Activist Medha Patkar said, “Using Hidma to discredit dissent is desperate.”
Delhi’s Pollution Crisis Overshadowed
Amid the clash, Delhi’s air quality remained “severe” (AQI 450+) due to stubble burning, traffic, and industrial emissions. The Supreme Court rebuked authorities for inaction, but residents fear politics is drowning out the health emergency. “Kids are inhaling poison while leaders fight over posters,” a local parent said.
Conclusion: Will Governance Lose to Grandstanding?
While the Hidma row fuels BJP-Congress tensions, Delhi’s pollution crisis demands urgent attention. As smog—and political rhetoric—thicken, the public waits for real solutions.
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— Reported by NextMinuteNews Bureau
