Bengal BJP MLA apologises after claiming firecrackers cure diseases
Papiya Adhikari said her remarks about firecrackers killing germs were being twisted by political opponents for views.
West Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari apologised on Monday after she claimed that bursting firecrackers could cure various diseases. The remarks were made during a Kali Puja pandal inauguration in her Tollygunge constituency on Saturday, according to reports by The Times of India and India Today.
Adhikari defended her earlier comments by stating that her words were being manipulated by opponents to gain TRP. She told a Bengali television channel that her intention was to refer to traditional beliefs passed down by elders regarding firecrackers killing germs during Diwali-Kali Puja night.
The 65-year-old politician later offered an apology to anyone who felt hurt by her statements. She said she was prepared to withdraw the remark, noting that while such traditions existed in the past, they might not be appropriate in the modern era of scientific advancement.
During her Saturday speech, Adhikari had mentioned that bursting firecrackers helps cure several diseases and stated that they would use green firecrackers while following police guidelines. The video of the speech went viral, drawing sarcastic reactions from social media users.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said on Monday that the administration had taken steps to enforce Supreme Court guidelines on noise pollution, though he noted that some firecrackers were burst outside of permitted hours.