While people across regions express grave concern over surging air pollution and the severe environmental damage caused by firecrackers following Diwali, a prominent political figure in West Bengal has made a bizarre remark that left everyone utterly astonished. Papia अधिकारी, a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA representing the Tollygunge assembly constituency in Kolkata, publicly claimed during a festival event that burning firecrackers can actually help cure multiple health ailments. The video clip of her speech, delivered during the inauguration of a Kali Puja marquee, spread like wildfire across social media platforms, drawing sharp questions and heavy mockery from citizens everywhere.
Controversial Remarks Made at a Kali Puja Pandal
Papia अधिकारी had visited her legislative constituency to inaugurate a local Kali Puja celebration when she addressed the gathered crowd. During her address, she stated that if one observes closely, they will find that bursting crackers also helps in curing various diseases. Elaborating further, she asserted that the Chief Minister herself has spoken about burning crackers, and questioned how a Kali Puja celebration could ever feel complete without them. She added that while crackers would definitely be lit, all administrative safety guidelines and instructions would be duly followed by the public.
Claims Stand in Direct Contrast to Scientific Facts
Although the BJP legislator maintained that crackers would be ignited strictly in accordance with the protocols issued by law enforcement authorities, her assertion regarding health benefits found zero backing in scientific consensus. Prominent health experts and medical practitioners have repeatedly pointed out that the toxic smoke and hazardous pollutants released by firecrackers can drastically aggravate respiratory disorders, asthma, and severe cardiovascular complications among individuals.
This controversial statement from Papia अधिकारी arrived at a time when residents in Kolkata were already voicing intense worries regarding soaring air pollution and noise levels in the aftermath of Diwali festivities. Official data released by the Central Pollution Control Board, or CPCB, highlighted that the average AQI recorded in Kolkata on the day of Diwali stood at 301, placing it firmly within the very poor category.
Netizens React With Sarcasm and Heavy Criticism
Given the alarming pollution levels, her unconventional argument attributing healing properties to firecrackers naturally invited severe public scrutiny. Several social media users flooded the internet with satirical takes on the viral video. One user sarcastically remarked that if anyone suffers from severe asthma or a heart condition, the toxic smoke from crackers could grant them permanent relief from the illness by ending their life entirely. Another user commented that with medical treatments becoming increasingly expensive, society should perhaps formally categorize firecrackers as medicine, branding the logic as an absurd mix of superstition and flawed science meant to court vote banks. A third user quipped that the AQI level of 500 would soon be marketed as an immunity booster.
Public Apology Offered Following Heavy Backlash
Facing a massive political storm and widespread ridicule over her remarks, Papia अधिकारी offered a public clarification and unconditional apology. She stated that there is an old saying passed down by ancestors regarding these traditional customs, explaining that the festival is fundamentally about light and lighting earthen lamps with the noble objective of eradicating societal evils. In earlier times, she noted, various social plagues were addressed through such traditional practices. However, she admitted that living in the modern era of heavy firecrackers alongside tremendous scientific advancement makes that older perspective perhaps no longer appropriate. Stating that if anyone was hurt by her words, she apologized sincerely and expressed readiness to take her statement back completely, she concluded that the core message remained focused on eliminating societal evils.
Background and Political Journey Into Public Office
Before making her foray into active politics, Papia अधिकारी was a familiar and recognized face in the Bengali film industry. She officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2021 and contested the assembly elections that very year, though she faced defeat at the time. Over subsequent political developments, she secured a major electoral victory from the Tollygunge seat, stunning observers by defeating heavyweight Trinamool Congress leader Arup Biswas.
