BJP slams Karnataka government on ban of firecrackers

The Karnataka government’s edict banning the use of firecrackers on Diwali was criticized by the BJP, who claimed that the rules only applied to Hindu holidays. Pralhad Joshi, a union minister, referred to the directives as “words on paper” and stated that people who wish to let off firecrackers will still do so.

The Karnataka government declared that only environmentally friendly “green” firecrackers should be permitted in the state on Saturday, October 26, and restricted the time that people might light firecrackers on Diwali to a two-hour window from 8 to 10 p.m.

“Deepavali is approaching. The Supreme Court has given guidelines on what kind of crackers should be burst. Only green crackers should be sold and they should be burst from 8 pm to 10 pm,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah briefed reporters after a meeting with the deputy commissioners of all the districts.

Joshi, who strongly criticised the move by the Congress government, said restrictions only target Hindu festivals like Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi. “When it comes to playing DJ music, obtaining an FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals, or ensuring that Ganesh visarjan wraps up by 10 pm, restrictions are always imposed. Meanwhile, namaz begins in mosques as early as 5 am, yet no similar restrictions apply. These regulations only seem to target Hindu festivals. The orders are just words on paper; those determined to burst crackers will continue to do so regardless,” Joshi was quoted in a report published by the media.

In response to the BJP’s jab, state forest minister Eshwar Khandre stated that the government order is consistent with central government directions and the Supreme Court regarding the usage of pollution-reducing eco-friendly crackers. He claimed that Joshi is unaware of the rules set down by his own government.

“If they have concerns, they should question the Supreme Court and their own government’s decisions,” Khandre was quoted by the report. Siddaramaiah has stressed on the need to prevent any damage to the environment. “I have also informed the DCs that there should not be any harm, injuries or deaths due to crackers in their districts,” he said.

He added: “The district officials should register cases against shopkeepers who sell crackers other than green ones, if they do not follow safety regulations, do not sell them at the designation place and do not have proper warehouses to store them.”