Atishi Attacks BJP Over 10-Year-Old Vehicle Ban, Alleges 'Drama' Ahead of CAQM Meeting

Ahead of a crucial meeting of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi's Leader of Opposition Atishi launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing it of waging a campaign against the middle class by enforcing the ban on 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles.

"BJP is Harassing Delhi’s Middle Class"

Atishi alleged that over the past six months, the BJP has done everything possible to trouble Delhiites—from electricity cuts to education fee hikes, and now, this arbitrary vehicle ban.

“Buying a car is a dream for the middle class. Women buy second-hand cars due to safety concerns. Elderly people too depend on old vehicles. BJP didn't consider their condition or usage. They just banned them,” she said.

She also alleged that BJP is colluding with scrap dealers, pressuring over 62 lakh people to scrap their vehicles and buy new ones, which she called “inhuman and anti-people”.

“Drama like ‘Karthik Calling Karthik’”

Mocking BJP’s internal communication, Atishi said:

“It’s like the film Karthik Calling Karthik—BJP leaders are writing letters to each other while they control everything: CAQM, MCD, Centre, and L-G. Why don’t they lift the ban themselves?”

She questioned the BJP's sincerity about approaching the Supreme Court, noting how the same party had defied the court’s order on other matters by passing ordinances, particularly pointing at their intervention in the Delhi services matter.

“Bring a Law in One Week, Else It's Fraud”

The AAP has demanded urgent legislation to exempt elderly, women, and second-hand car users from the blanket ban on old vehicles. Atishi said:

“If BJP can bring an ordinance in 8 days to override Supreme Court in other matters, why not now? Bring a law or special session to protect vulnerable car owners. If not, this is a deliberate betrayal.”

On Other BJP Actions

• Delhi Jal Board: Atishi accused the BJP of blocking Delhi Jal Board’s decision-making powers, despite the Kejriwal government enabling Rs 50 crore approvals a decade ago.

• Widow Pension Scheme: She claimed BJP had cut pensions of 25,000 widows and is now trying to cancel another 60,000, branding the move as anti-poor and heartless.