Yogi Adityanath defends Diwali firecrackers and dismisses pollution concerns
The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said pollution from festive celebrations would subside and questioned why corrupt individuals are not held accountable.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the use of firecrackers during Diwali on Wednesday, stating that any increase in pollution would eventually subside. Speaking at a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath said the state government did not impose any restrictions on the festivities.
According to The New Indian Express, the Chief Minister questioned why people raising pollution concerns do not address those who have allegedly corrupted the system through dishonest acts. He noted that while the public is criticised for one day of fireworks, those involved in systemic corruption are not questioned.
Adityanath mentioned that he participated in the fireworks celebrations in Ayodhya. He stated that festivals are now celebrated peacefully across the state, contrasting this with the period before 2017 when he claimed communal tensions and riots often preceded various religious occasions.
The Chief Minister further claimed that there have been no riots or curfews in Uttar Pradesh over the last nine-and-a-half years. He said that under previous administrations, curfews had negatively impacted traders by forcing markets to close.
The event in Lucknow involved the distribution of appointment letters to 1,146 newly selected junior assistants in the Revenue Department. Additionally, the Chief Minister provided financial assistance to 4,300 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana.