RSS body says ban on firecrackers ‘unscientific’, slams AAP govt  

The RSS affiliate Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has opposed the firecrackers ban announced by many state governments, including Delhi, during Diwali terming it “unscientific” and aimed at “hurting sentiments”. The SJM appealed to the states to lift the ban claiming that Indian firecrackers do not cause much pollution unlike Chinese ones, which had already been banned.

Arguments of Swadeshi Jagran Manch

The RSS affiliate has claimed that the ban order hurts sentiments of Hindus and that it is “unscientific” and based on “false propaganda”. SJM convener Ashwani Mahajan said: “We strongly oppose a complete ban on firecrackers by the Government of NCT of Delhi, during the Diwali.” He added: “It’s inappropriate, aimed at hurting the sentiments, apart from causing a blow to the employment of millions of workers and others engaged in the production and distribution of firecrackers in the country.” He further added that the Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana governments have failed to stop stubble burning, but they are misleading people by ordering a ban on firecrackers. Mahajan has also alleged that the Delhi government has failed to check stubble burning which is responsible for pollution in the nation capital. He said that instead of focusing on stubble burning in Delhi and its adjoining states, the governments are playing with the sentiments of Hindus. “The Swadeshi Jagran Manch also urges the Delhi Police to come clear on whether they will follow the arbitrary orders of the Delhi government of arresting people in Delhi if found in possession of or bursting firecrackers,” the RSS affiliate said.

‘Ban hits employment’

The SJM claimed that the Supreme Court allowed the use of fireworks on Diwali, “citing the tradition and employment of thousands of people”, while urging the state governments to find a long-term solution to the problem of stubble burning. As per the media reports, over 10 lakh people work in the firecracker sector in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and other states, and they look forward to Diwali, Mahajan said.

Delhi’s air quality severe despite ban  

Some right-wing political organizations, especially the BJP and the VHP have challenged the ban on firecrackers, citing religious undertones. However, governments stated that it is done to prevent hazardous air pollution since it is a problem for everyone. Despite the government’s ban on firecrackers, Delhi had ‘severe’ air quality the morning after Diwali last year.

SC refuses urgent hearing on BJP MP’s petition

The Supreme Court of India on Thursday declined an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the firecracker blanket ban imposed in Delhi till 1 January 2023. The plea for an urgent hearing was filed by BJP Lok Sabha MP Manoj Tiwari. The top court said, “Let people breathe clean air. Spend your money on sweets.” Notably, for the last three years, firecrackers have been banned in Delhi on the occasion of Diwali.

War of words between AAP, BJP

The Delhi government has issued a warning that using firecrackers would invite a fine and six months in jail. The BJP slammed it calling it against Hindus. BJP’s Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga released a video purportedly showing AAP workers celebrating using firecrackers. On the other hand, BJP MP Parvesh Sahib Singh Verma said:  “When Hindu festivals of Diwali and Dussehra are round the corner, (Kejriwal) imposes a ban on firecrackers. Every year Delhi has to suffer because of their failure.”