Anger is growing against Delhi’s AAP government for a blanket ban on bursting crackers in the Capital. With its latest order, AAP has criminalised Diwali crackers. At the same time, it is failing to take any concrete action on stubble burning.
AAP has criminalised Diwali crackers on the pretext of controlling worsening air pollution. However, a major cause air pollution is stubble burning by farmers of Punjab and Haryana. AAP is not taking any measures to control stubble burning.
Delhi is the only city in the country to not allow even green crackers. Even neighbouring states like Punjab, Haryana (known for stubble burning in the region) and UT Chandigarh has allowed bursting of green crackers.
Even in other parts of India like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have allowed crackers with a few restrictions. But, a complete ban on cracker bursting and criminalising of Diwali has not taken place anywhere.
Not just a ban, there will be a legal action, if one is found bursting them. Delhi’s Environment Minister Gopal Rai recently stated, “Purchasing, bursting of firecrackers in Delhi will be punishable with Rs 200 fine, 6 months in jail.”
Citizens call out hypocrisy of AAP
However, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is facing criticism and trolling for the decision. Many are questioning his govt for failing to act against stubble burning in Punjab and showing activism on Diwali. Some are comparing the diktat with Mughal oppressor Aurangzeb.
“Even without lighting a single cracker Delhi’s AQI will be severe on days after Diwali because of stubble burning. Yet, AAP has made cracker burning a jailable offence. The public would love to be part of the solution but not if they are lied to about the problem,” tweeted senior journalist Rahul Shivshankar.
Sharing Delhi’s satmap, author and columnist Anand Ranganathan, tweeted, “ISRO satmap of yesterday shows how stubble-burning continues unabated in Haryana and Punjab. This smog will blanket Delhi soon. Meanwhile, any kid caught lighting Diwali firecrackers will be jailed for 6 months. The politicians are playing with our lives and we are letting them.”
“Vice President of USA Kamala Harris can celebrate Diwali with fire crackers, but not people of Delhi. Thanks to Aurangzeb Kejriwal,” tweeted tweeter user Rosy while sharing Harris’s video celebrating Diwali with a “fuljhadi” in a crowd.
Reacting on Delhi’s ban, Delhi BJP leader Tajinder Bagga, tweeted, “Kejriwal is anti-Hindu, first he banned Chat Pooja at Yamuna ji, then he banned crackers in Ravan, now he is trying to ban crackers in Diwali. He also protested against Ram Mandir and supported Batla House Terrorists.” He along with other shared morphed pictures of Kejriwal as Aurangzeb.