Congress says 'odd-even' scheme a Muhammad Tuglaq-like act

The party questioned exemptions in odd-even policy for vehicles

Hitting back at AAP for its criticism of Robert Vadra who had questioned giving exemptions in odd-even policy for vehicles, Congress today likened city government's initiative to curb pollution to Delhi Sultanate ruler "Muhammad bin Tughlaq's act".

"What has Mr Vadra said? He said about the discrimination of VIPs. Isn't he right? VIPs also inhale oxygen and have the same lungs. Why this discrimination? Everybody here is equal in this land. You have concerns, so address that. If he has raised the issue in public domain, why is the AAP so worried.

"Questions will be asked because this is like a Muhammad bin Tuglaq act. This is like shifting the capital from Delhi to Devagiri without having the infrastructure. You cannot do this to people of Delhi. They have given you the mandate. You cannot make them suffer. You should have taken steps. Your transport system is totally failing," Congress spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said.

Muhammad bin Tughluq, who ruled Delhi from 1324 to 1351, transferred Delhi to Devagiri (now Daulatabad) with an intention to consolidate the conquests in southern India and protect against Mongol incursions. In 1328-29, he ordered a large-scale and in some cases forced-migration of people of Delhi to Devagiri, separated by a distance of 1,500 km. The decision was severely criticised by historians.

Vadakkan said the AAP should have come out with a policy with consensus.

Vadra, son-in-law of Congress President, had yesterday criticised the exemptions granted to vehicles of VIPs by Delhi government in its 'even-odd scheme' to control pollution, saying all must adhere to the law.

"Odd and Even ways !! Creating parallel lists of exemption, is complete hypocrisy. If a law is implemented in the interest of the people, we all must adhere, and not be VIPs," he said in his Facebook post.

Reacting to it, AAP said he is the "biggest hypocrite" and advised him to contribute and not comment on the initiative.