'Targeting Hindu Festivals': BJP Slams Karnataka Govt Over Order On Firecrackers

The BJP condemned the Karnataka government's Diwali firecracker restrictions, claiming they unfairly targeted Hindu festivals.

BJP condemned the order by Karnataka government over restricting the use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali.

Source : PTI

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Saturday slammed the Congress-led Karnataka government over its order restricting the use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali. As per the government order, bursting of firecrackers will be permissible for two hours, between 8 pm and 10 pm. 

The order also stated that only eco-friendly green crackers would be allowed during the period while also restricting sound limits to 125 decibels, according to an India Today report. 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also stressed that there should be no harm, injuries, or deaths due to firecrackers in the state during a meeting with deputy commissioners of all the districts.  

The saffron party criticised the order and accused the Congress government of selectively targeting Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali for imposing restrictions. 

Union minister Pralhad Joshi slammed the Siddaramaiah government saying the orders were just words on paper and that people will burst crackers regardless of the restrictions. 

"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," said the Union minister. 

"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," he added. 

Reacting to the backlash, state forest minister Eshwar Khandre said that the regulations align with the directives from the Supreme Court and the central government, both of which mandated a restricted time frame for bursting firecrackers, using green and low-decibel crackers. 

The minister also said that the BJP should go to the Supreme Court and their own government's decision if they have concerns.