UP CM Yogi Adityanath defends Diwali firecrackers and dismisses pollution concerns
The Chief Minister stated that any increase in pollution following the festivities would subside and questioned why critics did not address corruption.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath defended the use of firecrackers during Diwali on Wednesday, stating that any rise in pollution would eventually subside. Speaking at a government programme in Lucknow, Adityanath dismissed concerns regarding the environmental impact of the celebrations.
According to reports by Deccan Herald and The New Indian Express, the Chief Minister questioned why those raising pollution issues did not speak out against individuals who had allegedly corrupted the system. He noted that while people celebrate with fireworks for one day, those who have damaged the system through corrupt deeds are not questioned.
Adityanath said the state government had decided not to impose any restrictions on the festivities to allow people to celebrate with enthusiasm. He mentioned that he had also participated in the fireworks celebrations during the Deepotsav in Ayodhya.
The Chief Minister compared the current period to the time before 2017, alleging that festivals used to be accompanied by communal tensions and riots. He claimed that for the last nine-and-a-half years, there have been no riots or curfews in Uttar Pradesh.
The Lucknow event was held to distribute appointment letters to 1,146 newly selected junior assistants in the Revenue Department. The programme also provided financial assistance to 4,300 beneficiaries under the Mukhyamantri Krishak Durghatna Kalyan Yojana.