BJP MLA clarifies statement claiming firecrackers cure diseases

Papiya Adhikari, the BJP MLA from West Bengal's Tollygunge area, has clarified his controversial statement suggesting that bursting firecrackers can cure several diseases. According to an NDTV report, the MLA reacted with a smile, stating that the media had misrepresented his statement and given it a different spin. Opposing this approach of the media, he said, "No, no, it is not like that. I do not know what these media people are doing. They should not do this."

Defending his statement, Papiya Adhikari, who transitioned from actress to MLA, had linked the matter to ancestral beliefs. He stated, "There was a saying among ancestors that all this (firecrackers and lamps) is done for a purpose." He further added that it is essentially a festival of lighting lamps, intended to remove evils present in society. Referring to past customs, he said there was a belief that in earlier times, performing Yagnas or lighting lamps helped remove many social evils and flaws.

However, Papiya Adhikari admitted that in today's era, when science and technology have made significant progress, making such remarks is not appropriate. He acknowledged that the era of firecrackers has arrived and science has advanced to a point where such traditional beliefs or talks are no longer considered appropriate. He clarified that in today's scientific age, such things cannot be accepted.

Subsequently, the MLA apologised for his statement. He said, "If anyone has been hurt by my words, we seek forgiveness." He further added that he could withdraw his statement, saying, "Consider that I have withdrawn my statement."

Despite this, he reiterated that social evils were addressed in the past and can still be addressed today.

The entire controversy began when Papiya Adhikari had gone for the inauguration of Kali Puja in her constituency. While she was speaking, a firecracker burst right in front of her, in the context of which she made the controversial remark. Following the viral spread of this statement on social media, she faced criticism, to which she has now provided this clarification and apology.

There is no information available regarding whether any strict action has been taken against her by the BJP following this incident, but the MLA herself admitted that given the progress of science in modern times, such remarks were inappropriate. She deemed the representation by the media to be incorrect and had presented her views based on ancestral beliefs.