New Delhi, Jan. 11 -- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday, while flagging the air pollution issue, accused the Centre of downplaying its health impacts, arguing that it is not just ignorance on the part of the government but an attempt to mask administrative failure, negligence, and incompetence.

In a post on 'X', Ramesh issued a statement calling air pollution a nationwide public health emergency and saying the Modi government's response has been grossly inadequate and ineffective.

"Twice so far in Parliament - first on 29th July 2024 and then on 9th December 2025 - the Modi Government has tried to downplay the health impact of air pollution. The Modi Government is not blind to the truth, it is only attempting to cover up the scale...