Several factors can be attributed to air pollution not being a political phenomenon. Solidarities that can coalesce around the issue are too fragmented: the resistance is, therefore, sporadic and weak. Significantly, at a time when young people around the world — the West especially — appear to be far more energetic in pushing ecological concerns into the electoral discourse, a similar movement by young, climate-conscious Indians — first-time voters — remains a fledgling entity. The challenge of cleaning India’s air is also a stern test for the republic’s already fragile federal spirit. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has made such a proposal and the Centre did seem amenable in its response.

Source: The Telegraph December 23, 2025 02:36 UTC