UPDATED: Nov 5, 2026 10:52 ISTAs the political war over stubble burning and Delhi's air pollution intensifies, India Today visited the Sangrur-Patiala highway in Punjab's Patiala district, where farm fires were spotted burning in the darkness. Thick smoke and smog were visible along the highway, highlighting that stubble burning continues in the state despite a decline in cases compared to previous years.
Punjab has already recorded over 2,000 stubble-burning incidents this year. The ground visuals come amid a war of words between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party, with BJP leader Anurag Thakur accusing the Punjab government of shirking responsibility, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann rejected the allegations, claiming Punjab's farmers were being unfairly blamed for Delhi's pollution.
Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSUS Midterms: Owaisi Cites Michigan Senate Win To Attack BJP And Samajwadi Party In UPA political war of words has broken out in Uttar Pradesh following the election of Abdul El-Sayed to the United States Senate from Michigan. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi drew parallels between the American election and Uttar Pradesh politics, stating that while the Bharatiya Janata Party claims 'Abdul' fixes punctures and the Samajwadi Party says he lays carpets, democracy has seen him become a senator.
Owaisi asserted that in Uttar Pradesh, the community will now produce legislators and leaders rather than laying carpets for other parties. In response, the Samajwadi Party accused Owaisi of acting as a 'Hyderabadi Abdul' and serving as the Bharatiya Janata Party's proxy to divide minority votes.
Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party reacted by stating that earlier governments deceived the community for votes and money, whereas welfare schemes under the current leadership have delivered tangible benefits to all without discrimination.Delhi AQI Breaches 400 in 18 Areas; Smog Envelopes NCR as AAP-BJP ClashAir quality across Delhi-NCR plunged into the severe category just ahead of Diwali, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) breaching the 400 mark at 18 monitoring stations, according to Central Pollution Control Board data. Severe levels were reported in several locations, with Jahangirpuri recording the highest AQI at 459, followed by IIT Delhi at 447 and Delhi Technological University at 436.
Thick smog blanketed the skyline, triggering health complaints of eye irritation and breathing difficulties. Authorities noted the enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan measures, with stricter restrictions under consideration as weather forecasts predict severe conditions over the coming days.
The deteriorating air quality sparked a sharp political dispute between the Delhi and Punjab governments over stubble burning. While allegations were raised accusing Punjab of failing to curb farm fires, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed the claims, maintaining that local farmers were not responsible for the national capital's toxic air.Delhi Air Quality Turns Severe, Stubble Burning Spikes Farm Fires in PunjabAir quality across the national capital has deteriorated into the hazardous and severe category, with the Air Quality Index crossing the 400 mark across 18 stations in Delhi.
Jahangirpuri emerged as the worst affected area, recording an index of 459, while monitoring stations at IIT Delhi neared the 450 mark. A thick layer of smog enveloped the National Capital Region, prompting advisories regarding the use of N95 masks and indoor air purifiers, particularly for the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
Meanwhile, political sparring over farm fires escalated as Punjab recorded over 2,300 stubble burning cases up to November 4. Tarn Taran registered the highest count with 558 cases, followed by Patiala with 110 cases.
Despite over 600 FIRs registered and 40 lakh rupees collected in penalties, stubble burning incidents continue to rise across the state.BJP Targets AAP Over Drug Mafia in Punjab, Pushes NDA as Solution Ahead of 2027The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp attack against the Aam Aadmi Party government and the Congress over the prevailing drug menace in Punjab. The party claimed that the drug syndicate in the state can only be eradicated if the National Democratic Alliance is voted to power under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Highlighting the central government's track record in curbing Naxalism and dismantling terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, BJP representatives argued that neither the Aam Aadmi Party nor the Congress possesses the intent or ability to resolve the crisis. The attack follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Jalandhar, where an ambition was set to eliminate drugs from Punjab by December 31, 2029.
With the 2027 assembly elections approaching, the BJP positioned itself as the sole viable alternative to address the widespread drug network affecting the state.