News Rajasthan

Congress government in Rajasthan bans sale of firecrackers ahead of Deebavali, hits on the stomach of Sivakasi workers

November 2, 2020
The Commune

With Deebavali approaching in a few days, the Congress government in Rajasthan, led by Ashok Gehlot, has imposed a ban on the sale of firecrackers in the entire state, reports Hindustan Times.

The reason given by Chief Minister Gehlot about the ban was to protect the people from the COVID-19 pandemic and help those who are suffering from other health issues.

In a tweet sent from the official twitter handle of the Rajasthan CM, Gehlot said, “State govt has taken the decision to ban the sale and bursting of firecrackers in order to protect health of #COVID19 infected patients & public from poisonous smoke emanating due to fireworks. In this challenging corona pandemic time,protecting lives of ppl is paramount for govt”.

Gehlot has categorically said, “People should desist from using crackers on Diwali,”. The CM also wants firecrackers to be banned during weddings and other events as well.

The pollution level in Rajasthan and the other northern states weeks ahead of Diwali has surged, however many feel the blanket ban on firecrackers is not justified and that the Congress government has willfully acquiesced to appease a certain minoroty.

Since the order given by the CM of Rajasthan, many on twitter have called out the pointless move that will have a severe impact on the livelihoods of the people in Sivakasi and cracker enterprises in Rajasthan. 

Associate Prof (Math) at the IISc Bangalore Abhishek Banerjee said, “This year, bumper sales for festive season have rescued the Indian economy. For years, Hindu festivals have been blamed for all the problems in India. How about we take a moment to thank these same Hindu festivals?”