“It feels like a gas chamber”: Yogi Adityanath’s blunt Delhi swipe embarrasses BJP govt

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday made a rare and unusually sharp criticism of Delhi , likening the city’s air quality to a “gas chamber” , remarks that have attracted attention as both Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) .

Speaking at a government function in Gorakhpur , Adityanath said breathing in Delhi has become difficult , with people suffering from burning in the eyes due to pollution. “Doctors advise children, the elderly and asthma patients to stay indoors. What kind of life is this? ” he asked.

Contrasting Delhi’s condition with Uttar Pradesh, the Chief Minister said his state has achieved development without a suffocating environment , warning that environmental degradation remains one of the biggest global challenges and that unchecked damage could lead to conditions similar to those prevailing in the national capital.

Delhi’s pollution crisis has been particularly acute during the winter months. December 2025 emerged as the city’s worst pollution month , with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 366 , placing it firmly in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category , according to official data. The month witnessed prolonged spells of hazardous air , reinforcing public concern over worsening winter pollution.

While political attacks on pollution are often directed at opposition-ruled states, Adityanath’s remarks are notable as they target a city governed by his own party , sharpening focus on intra-party contrasts in governance and the persistent challenge of controlling Delhi’s winter smog.

The Delhi government , led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta , has not issued a direct response to the “gas chamber” remark so far.