BJP leader distributes crackers despite SC ban

Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Tajindar Bagga on Tuesday distributed crackers to children in Hari Nagar, days after the Supreme Court ordered a ban on the sale of crackers in the national capital, with the view to reduce pollution during Diwali.

Bagga defended himself by saying that the ban is only on sale and not on the distribution of firecrackers.

"Since the ban is only on sale in Delhi, crackers can be bought from outside Delhi, and there is no ban on distribution of crackers," Bagga told ANI, adding that bursting crackers is part of a tradition.

He also expressed disapproval over the selective ban -during Diwali- and alleged that Hindu festivals were solely targeted.

"Our grievance is with the selective ban. If crackers create pollution, put a permanent ban, in fact ban its manufacturing. Crackers also create pollution during New Year celebrations," Bagga said.

He reiterated that distribution of crackers is not a disrespect of Supreme Court's decision.

However, the Opposition did not spare him from criticism.

Congress leader J. P. Aggarwal called it dirty politics on the part of BJP, and said that the ruling party should not have remained silent when the topic of ban came up in the court.

"They should have kept their opinion strongly that firecrackers should be burnt on Diwali. They are betraying the people by doing this drama, and people knows about this," Aggarwal told ANI, adding that BJP neither has respect for Diwali nor sympathy with the people.

On October 9, Supreme Court restored the ban on the sale of firecrackers till November 1.