Delhi Chief Minister Atishi reacted sharply to the explosion that occurred outside the CRPF Public School in Rohini, asserting that it is the central government's responsibility to ensure law and order in the national capital. Atishi did not hesitate to point fingers at the BJP, accusing them of spending the majority of their efforts in creating obstacles for the Delhi government instead of addressing issues related to public safety. She stressed that the explosion and other recent incidents of violence, including a shooting in the Welcome area, highlight the need for better governance from the Centre.
Atishi expressed her frustration during a press conference, stating, "It is the BJP-led Centre's responsibility to maintain law and order. Police, land, and law and order all fall under their domain, yet they continue to focus 90 per cent of their energy on troubling the Delhi government." She urged the BJP to shift its focus from interfering with the Delhi government's work in sectors like education, health, and infrastructure to more pressing issues such as public safety.
The explosion near the CRPF School sent shockwaves through the local community. The loud noise, followed by smoke billowing from the area, shattered the windows of nearby vehicles and caused significant damage to surrounding shops. While initial reports suggested the possibility of a cylinder blast, authorities are investigating the incident with suspicion that a low-intensity explosive may have been used. Forensic teams and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were called to the scene to analyze the white powder-like substance found near the school wall.
In response to the incident, police have registered an FIR under the Explosives Act and are closely examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area to piece together the events leading up to the explosion. Though no injuries were reported, the blast has raised concerns about security in the capital, particularly in high-traffic areas like schools.
Atishi used the platform to also highlight another pressing issue affecting Delhi—the rising pollution levels. She once again directed her criticism at the BJP, accusing the party of engaging in "dirty politics" instead of addressing environmental concerns. Atishi argued that while stubble-burning incidents in Punjab, governed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have seen a significant reduction, the practice is on the rise in BJP-ruled states like Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, contributing to Delhi's deteriorating air quality.
She shared data from the Pusa Institute, indicating that stubble burning had been reduced by 27 per cent in Punjab since AAP came to power. However, she questioned the BJP’s inability to control the practice in its own states, suggesting that their lack of action was exacerbating the pollution crisis in Delhi. In addition to the air pollution, Atishi pointed to the rising pollution levels in the Yamuna River, urging the BJP to take responsibility for the environmental degradation and accusing them of neglecting the welfare of the capital’s residents.
Atishi’s comments come at a time when Delhi is grappling with multiple challenges, including public safety concerns and severe pollution levels, both of which have a direct impact on the quality of life for its residents. The explosion outside the CRPF School has not only raised security alarms but has also reignited the ongoing political debate between the Delhi government and the Centre over control and responsibility for key governance issues. Atishi's strong words underscore the urgency for action on both fronts: ensuring the safety of citizens and addressing the environmental crisis that continues to plague the capital.
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