Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief C R Paatil criticised Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for his government's decision to completely ban firecrackers in the national capital, calling such people 'anti-religious' for preventing citizens from celebrating festivals, news agency PTI reported.
Gujarat BJP chief Paatil told a gathering after a firework display held on Saturday, "Today I read some news that the chief minister of Delhi has imposed a ban on firecrackers in Delhi. That brother is trying to come here (for elections in Gujarat). Then how will you burst firecrackers?" "So please recognise such anti-religious people and against firecrackers who stop us from celebrating our festivals," Paatil quoted as saying by PTI.
The AAP-led Delhi government reinstated a total ban on the production, sale, and use of all types of firecrackers until January 1, 2023, including on Diwali, a practise it has followed for the past two years.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai recently stated that bursting firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will result in a six-month jail sentence and a Rs 200 fine.
The Delhi government is preparing to launch the "Red Light On Gaadi Off" campaign to combat air pollution. As part of a campaign that will run from October 28 to November 28, public officials and groups will encourage commuters to turn off their cars at traffic lights.
The Delhi government had said the ban on crackers was imposed on the orders of Supreme Court and the BJP leaders were showing disrespect to the court.
BJP leaders had targeted the Delhi government over the complete ban on firecrackers, dubbing the Kejriwal-led dispensation "anti-Hindu".
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari recently said Chief Minister Kejriwal should allow people in Delhi to burst crackers for two-three hours on Diwali, PTI reported.
In Gujarat, where elections are due later this year, the AAP has been attempting to position itself as the main challenger to the ruling BJP.
AAP national convener Kejriwal has visited Gujarat several times recently to garner support for his party ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections later this year.
Kejriwal's campaign has revolved around a slew of promises, including 300 units of free electricity per month, free education in government schools, perks for unemployed youth, a Rs 1,000 allowance for women, and a monthly stipend for new lawyers.
(With Inputs From PTI)