The AAP said on Thursday that Delhi Police detained party MLAs Jarnail Singh and Haji Yunus, as well as other volunteers, when they were engaging in the Delhi government's 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign. The ruling party also accused the BJP of using police to disrupt its attempts to reduce pollution. According to police, Yunus and 16 other persons were held for allegedly attempting to impede traffic and failing to follow police commands to halt, news agency PTI reported.
The 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign encourages drivers to turn off their cars as they wait for the traffic light to turn green.
The AAP called the imprisonment of its MLAs "shameful" in a post on X in Hindi.
"Why do BJP people love pollution? The BJP stoops to a new low in politics every day. The BJP is crushing the AAP's efforts to curb pollution with the help of police. AAP MLA @JarnailSinghAAP and Haji Yunus detained by BJP police for spreading awareness," it said.
The party also posted photos of Singh and Yunus being arrested by police.
Yunus, the Mustafabad MLA, stated that he was seized by police at the Gokalpuri roundabout.
"After stopping the Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign against pollution, Delhi Police detained (me) from the Gokalpuri roundabout. Currently at the police station with my friends," he said in a post on X around 3 pm.
Yunus and several of his followers were detained, according to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northeast) Joy Tirkey.
"Information was received that a senior leader of a political party was likely to be summoned to join investigation at the ED headquarters on Thursday and a law and order situation could be possible as protesters of the party may gather at different places in Delhi to hold a protest, which may create public nuisance and hamper traffic flow," he was quoted by PTI in its report.
Some people gathered at the Loni Gol Chakkar at 11 a.m., headed by Yunus. They were carrying signs depicting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as well as posters for the Delhi government's 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign, according to Tirkey.
"They were trying to block traffic. Hence, after sufficient warning, they were taken away and detained at Jyoti Nagar police station. We have detained a total of 17 people, including MLA Haji Yunus," he added.
At a news conference, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai said it was "unfortunate" that the BJP had dispatched Delhi Police to thwart the city government's campaign.
"The campaign started on October 26 at ITO. On November 2, it was supposed to be held in all 70 assembly constituencies. But our MLA Jarnail Singh was detained... Since morning, councillors, volunteers and MLAs are being detained. If people are wearing black bands, why are they (BJP) afraid," asked Rai, who is also the AAP's Delhi state convener.
On October 16, 2020, the Delhi government began the 'Red Light On, Gaadi Off' campaign for the first time.
According to official estimates, vehicular emissions account for 80% of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in Delhi's air.
On Thursday, a thick cloud shrouded Delhi for the third day in a row, with the city experiencing'severe' air quality for the first time this season.