LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday defended the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, saying he had personally participated in celebrations in Ayodhya and arguing that concerns over pollution were being selectively raised.Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Yogi said people were now able to celebrate Diwali and other festivals “without fear” and criticised those who, he claimed, objected to firecrackers.Referring to complaints about air quality, he said pollution may increase during Diwali but would also subside. “Lots of people said there was pollution due to Diwali celebrations. I said pollution did happen but it will end also. Why worry about it?” he said. The chief minister used the remarks to target political opponents, alleging that while corruption had “polluted the entire system,” criticism was directed at common people celebrating for a single day. He maintained that any pollution caused by crackers was temporary and not a major issue, adding that it was good people celebrated Diwali with “dhoom dharaka.” He said he was happy that large numbers of people lit firecrackers.
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Yogi reiterated his govt’s stance of imposing no restrictions on Diwali celebrations and said he was in Ayodhya during the lighting of firecrackers. He also said that festivals had been celebrated with grandeur this year. Contrasting the present with the period before 2017, the chief minister claimed festivals were earlier preceded by riots and curfews, which affected markets and public safety. He said that over the past 9.5 years there had been no curfews and no “danga,” adding that the situation in Uttar Pradesh had changed.