Politics

Diwali 2024: Arvind Kejriwal urges Delhiites to not burst crackers; says, ‘No Hindu-Muslim in this’

That's The Peg!31 October 20241 min read

Aam Aadmi Party’s Arvind Kejriwal has urged people of Delhi to not burst crackers this Diwali. At a press conference, the former Delhi chief minister emphasised that Diwali is fundamentally a celebration of light. He also said that the pollution caused by fireworks has lasting negative effects, especially on children.

He stated, “Even the Supreme Court and high court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers, we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not firecrackers. By not bursting firecrackers, we are not doing any favour to anyone. We are doing it for ourselves and our family. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone’s life is important.”

Kejriwal’s comments came a day after Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dinesh Sharma criticised the Delhi government’s blanket ban on firecrackers during Diwali and not during Christmas or New Year.

Sharma had said, “We stand by the measures that are implemented for curbing pollution. There are many ways to curb it, but why are there only bans on Hindu festivals? The Delhi government will put a complete ban on crackers on Diwali and restrict the use of colours on Holi. What objection do you have to Hindu festivals?”

Earlier in October, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had imposed a ban on firecrackers. He had posted on X, “In view of the increasing pollution in winter, a ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers from today till January 1.”

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