Gujarat BJP President CR Patil has targeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Government’s decision to completely ban firecrackers in the national capital, and termed such people “anti-religious” who were preventing citizens from celebrating their festivals.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government last month reimposed Complete ban on production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2023A custom is being followed for the last two years, including Deepawali.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai had recently said that bursting of crackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of Rs 200.
Mr Rai had said that production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the capital would attract a fine of up to Rs 5,000 and a jail term of three years.
Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections due later this year, AAP national convener Kejriwal has visited the state several times in recent times to garner support for his party.
Addressing a gathering after a firecracker show held in Rajkot on 22 October, Gujarat BJP chief Patil said, “Today I read some news that the Chief Minister of Delhi has banned firecrackers in Delhi. That brother wants to come here. is trying. [for elections in Gujarat], Then how will you burst firecrackers?”
Mr. Patil said, “So please identify such anti-religious people and those against firecrackers who prevent us from celebrating our festivals.”
The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government had said that the ban on firecrackers was imposed on the orders of the Supreme Court and BJP leaders were disrespecting the court.
BJP leaders had hit out at the Delhi government over the complete ban on firecrackers, terming the Kejriwal-led government as “anti-Hindu”.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari had recently said that Chief Minister Kejriwal should allow people in Delhi to burst crackers for two-three hours on Diwali.
The AAP is trying to position itself as the main contender for the ruling BJP in Gujarat, where elections are due later this year.
Mr Kejriwal has built his party’s campaign around guarantees such as 300 units of free electricity per month, free education in government schools, discounts for unemployed youth, ₹1,000 allowance to women and a monthly stipend for new lawyers.