Attending Parliament In Mask, This Lawmaker Makes a Statement

New Delhi: Congress parliamentarian Gaurav Gogoi wore a mask today as he walked into Parliament, reflecting concerns about pollution in Delhi, which is at emergency levels.

"I thought I would walk to Parliament, but then saw the report on pollution and decided to wear a mask. But even though I am wearing the mask, I feel the irritation on my tongue and throat," Mr Gogoi said.

The 33-year-old said the government should share the pollution levels with people so that they can decide what to do. "I have somehow managed to come here and we will go inside for work but what about what the many traffic policemen on the road and other people working outside have to go through?" questioned the lawmaker from Assam.

Five of India's most polluted places today are in Delhi.

Given the severe pollution in the capital, Delhi's Aam Aadmi Party government has announced that odd and even numbered cars will be allowed on alternate days from next year.

The raging debate on the "odd-even" policy also spilled over to Parliament, where Congress leaders appeared divided on the new rule. Two lawmakers of the Congress in Parliament, Pramod Tiwari and Karan Singh, have opposed it.

Another Congress member, Deepender Hooda said the Delhi government should consult neighbouring states as they would also be affected by the odd-even rule.

The Delhi government's decision has won support from the Chief Justice of India, Justice TS Thakur, who said yesterday that judges should car pool.

"I see no problem in the even-odd car number system. Judges can also do car pool. I would suggest Supreme Court judges to make a car pooling system that will give a right message to the public," Mr Thakur said.