NEW DELHI, Jan 25, 2026 — In a major public outreach initiative, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on Sunday launched a direct appeal to citizens across India to document the devastating impact of air pollution on their lives. Speaking through his new digital platform, ‘Awaaz Bharat Ki’, Gandhi called for a collective voice to tackle the escalating environmental and public health crisis.
‘Awaaz Bharat Ki’: A Platform for the Vulnerable
The initiative is designed to bypass traditional communication barriers, offering a direct channel for ordinary Indians to share thoughts, suggestions, and health concerns with the LoP’s office.
In a pointed post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi highlighted the disproportionate burden borne by the most vulnerable sections of society. “We are paying a heavy price for air pollution—with our health and with our economy. Crores of ordinary Indians bear this burden every day,” he stated.
The Human Cost of Toxic Air
Gandhi emphasized that the crisis extends far beyond a seasonal inconvenience, affecting the very survival of children and daily wage earners.
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Health Impacts: Rising respiratory issues among children and the elderly.
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Economic Strain: Severe disruption of livelihoods for construction workers and outdoor laborers during smog-induced lockdowns.
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Call to Action: “This crisis cannot be forgotten until next winter. The first step towards change is to raise our voices,” Gandhi added, urging people to log their stories on the portal.
Escalating Crisis in North India
The appeal comes as New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) reel under months of “Severe” Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. Over the past few months:
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School Closures: Educational institutions were forced to shift to online modes repeatedly due to toxic smog.
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Public Outcry: In December 2025, Jantar Mantar saw massive protests by students and activists demanding a concrete “National Action Plan” rather than temporary emergency measures.
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Parliamentary Pressure: The Congress party has consistently raised the issue in the Winter Session, demanding accountability from the central government for the worsening public health situation.
Q1: What is the ‘Awaaz Bharat Ki’ portal? A: It is a digital initiative launched by Rahul Gandhi to provide a direct platform for Indian citizens to share their concerns, suggestions, and personal stories with the Leader of Opposition’s office.
Q2: How can I share my story on air pollution with Rahul Gandhi? A: Citizens can visit the official ‘Awaaz Bharat Ki’ website to submit their personal accounts of how air quality has affected their health or livelihood.
Q3: Why is the air pollution crisis in focus now? A: Following a series of “Severe” AQI days in Delhi-NCR and nationwide protests in late 2025, the LoP is pushing for a permanent national strategy rather than seasonal emergency responses.
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