Karnataka Firecracker Ban: Targeting Hindu Festivals?

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The Karnataka government has imposed restrictions on firecracker use during Diwali, allowing only 8-10 pm for bursting crackers. This decision has drawn criticism from the BJP, accusing the Congress-led government of targeting Hindu festivals.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The Karnataka government has restricted the use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, limiting the permissible hours for bursting them to a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm. This move has been met with sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which alleges that the Congress-led government is targeting Hindu festivals.

According to the government order, only eco-friendly green crackers are permitted during this time, and they must adhere to sound limits below 125 decibels. The BJP has condemned this measure, claiming that the Congress government selectively imposes restrictions on Hindu festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the Siddaramaiah-led government, stating that people determined to burst firecrackers would do so regardless of imposed restrictions. Joshi remarked, “When it comes to playing DJ music or obtaining an FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals, restrictions are always imposed. Meanwhile, namaz begins in mosques as early as 5 am, yet no similar restrictions apply. These regulations seem to specifically target Hindu festivals. The orders are just words on paper; those intent on bursting crackers will continue to do so.”

In response to the backlash, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the regulations are in line with directives from the Supreme Court and the central government, which mandate a limited two-hour window for firecrackers and the use of green, low-decibel crackers. Khandre also addressed Pralhad Joshi’s remarks, accusing him of lacking awareness of his government’s regulations and the Supreme Court’s directives.

“If they have concerns, they should question the Supreme Court and their own government’s decisions,” Khandre stated, emphasizing that the Karnataka government’s actions comply with the law.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah announced that only eco-friendly green crackers should be sold in the state this Diwali. “Diwali is approaching. The Supreme Court has provided guidelines on what kind of crackers should be used. Only green crackers should be sold, and they should be used from 8 pm to 10 pm,” Siddaramaiah informed reporters after the meeting.

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