IndiaPosted at: Nov 9 2026 5:48PM


Kapil Mishra alleges conspiracy behind 10-fold spike in Punjab stubble fires on Diwali, seeks probe

New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra on Monday alleged a possible conspiracy behind a sudden ten-fold surge in stubble-burning incidents in Punjab on Diwali evening, claiming that farmers had complained of their fields being deliberately set on fire while they were celebrating the festival with their families.
Demanding an immediate investigation, Mishra urged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to register FIRs, identify those responsible and ensure their arrest, alleging that the incidents appeared aimed at creating a confrontation between farmers and Diwali and maligning the festival.
Addressing a press conference here, Mishra said satellite data had recorded around 100-125 stubble-burning incidents daily between November 5 and 7, but the number allegedly jumped to nearly 1,200 locations on the evening of November 8.
"On November 7, stubble-burning incidents were reported at approximately 125 locations. How did the number suddenly rise to 1,200 locations on Diwali? How did the figures increase by more than 10 times? This is a matter of serious concern," he said.
Mishra said he began receiving calls from farmers in Punjab on Diwali evening, with several alleging that their agricultural fields had been set ablaze while they were celebrating with their families. Initially, he said, the complaints appeared difficult to believe, but similar reports from different areas prompted him to seek satellite data from the Centre.
"This is a conspiracy against farmers, a conspiracy against Diwali, a conspiracy against Delhi and a conspiracy against Punjab," he alleged, questioning how such a dramatic increase in fires could have occurred within a single day.
The minister said Punjab's farmers had been making efforts to avoid stubble burning and their contribution should not be undermined.
Raising concerns over pollution levels in Punjab, Mishra cited reported AQI readings of 1,238 in Malout, 1,307 in Abohar and 1,651 in Sangrur on Monday morning.
Mishra also alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party had been running a campaign against Diwali celebrations, firecrackers and Sanatan traditions, and sought to link the political messaging with the sudden increase in reported farm fires. He accused the party leadership of attempting to create divisions between farmers and the festival.
"Kejriwal and the people from his party are running a campaign against Diwali, firecrackers and Sanatan traditions. Stop insulting Sanatan and disrespecting Hindu festivals," he said.
Calling for accountability, Mishra urged Mann to direct the registration of FIRs in all areas where farmers had alleged that their fields were deliberately set on fire on November 8. He also demanded that investigators examine relevant phone records of AAP legislators and local leaders, besides those of party functionaries who had travelled from Delhi to Punjab.
Reiterating his appeal to the Punjab government, he said farmers should not be dragged into political controversies or blamed for incidents that required independent investigation.
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Tags: #Kapil Mishra alleges conspiracy behind 10-fold spike in Punjab stubble fires on Diwali# seeks probe
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