A controversial claim by West Bengal BJP MLA Papia Adhikari that bursting firecrackers could cure illnesses has triggered criticism, particularly amid concerns over rising air and noise pollution during the festive season.

The Tollygunj legislator’s remarks have also drawn attention because Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has repeatedly appealed to people to use environment-friendly fireworks and adhere to pollution-control guidelines during Kali Puja.

Speaking at an idol unveiling ceremony at a community Kali Puja pandal in Kolkata, Papia Adhikari said, “We will burst crackers. You (people) will see crackers cure many illnesses.”

She, however, sought to qualify her remarks by referring to the restrictions imposed by the government.

“Our honourable Chief Minister has said crackers will be burst during the Kali Puja festival, but that should follow the rules and restrictions framed by the government. Crackers should be used as per the guidelines made by police stations. But it’s a fact that crackers can cure illnesses,” she added.

Firecrackers were also being burst, generating considerable noise, while the BJP legislator was addressing the gathering in the Tollygunj area.

The remarks came amid a series of appeals by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari at Kali Puja pandal inauguration programmes across Kolkata and other districts. He had urged people to celebrate with fireworks while complying with regulations governing noise pollution.

Following the controversy, Papia Adhikari issued a clarification and offered to withdraw her statement.

“There is an old saying from our ancestors regarding these traditions. In essence, this is a festival of lights—a festival of lighting lamps—meant to eradicate social evils. In the past, through rituals, many such evils were addressed. Now, however, we live in the era of firecrackers, and given how much science has advanced, perhaps that perspective is no longer appropriate. If anyone has been hurt, I apologise. I am willing to retract my statement; consider it withdrawn. But the core idea remains: such social evils were—and still can be—eradicated,” she said.

The controversy has unfolded against the backdrop of deteriorating air quality in Kolkata following Diwali celebrations.

According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the city's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 301 on Diwali, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category. Concerns over excessive noise from firecrackers have also persisted, with Adhikari’s remarks drawing reactions on social media.