BJP slams Karnataka government for targetting Hindu festivals
- In Reports
- 06:33 PM, Oct 28, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the state government's decision to put restrictions on the use of firecrackers during the festival of Diwali. They claim that the Congress-led state government is unfairly targeting Hindu festivals with such actions.
Prior to Diwali, the state government declared on Saturday that it would limit the usage of firecrackers to a two-hour window between 8 and 10 p.m. and only allow environmentally friendly green crackers that don't exceed 125 dB in noise levels. Following the declaration, Pralhad Joshi, a Union minister, severely criticised the mandate, asserting that it discriminated against Hindu celebrations.
“When it comes to playing DJ music, obtaining an FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals, or wrapping up Ganesh visarjan by 10 pm, restrictions are always applied. Yet, namaz in mosques begins as early as 5 am without similar limitations,” said Joshi while claiming that individuals who were keen to celebrate would probably disregard the ban on firecrackers.
However, in response, state forest minister Eshwar Khandre said that the rules are in conformity with orders from the central government and Supreme Court, which restrict the usage of firecrackers to low-noise, environmentally friendly options and established a two-hour time limit. He emphasised that Karnataka's policy closely adheres to the law by saying, "If they have concerns, they should question the Supreme Court and their own government's decisions."
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier called for eco-friendly festivities, stressing that only green crackers will be allowed to be sold and burst between 8 and 10 p.m., in accordance with the SC's Diwali regulations. “Diwali 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,” he remarked.
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