‘Regulations Only Target Hindu Festivals’: BJP Slams Karnataka Govt Order On Firecrackers

Union minister Pralhad Joshi criticized the Karnataka government’s restrictions on firecracker use during Diwali, calling them “words on paper” and stating that those who want to burst firecrackers will continue to do so. The government limited the use of firecrackers to a two-hour window from 8 pm to 10 pm and specified that only eco-friendly ‘green’ crackers should be used. The BJP accused the government of targeting Hindu festivals with these regulations, while the state forest minister defended the move as in line with Supreme Court and central government directives on reducing pollution. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of preventing environmental damage and instructed district officials to take action against violators.