BJP's 'targeting Hindu festivals' charge after Karnataka's order on firecrackers

The Congress-led Karnataka government has limited firecracker use to 8-10 pm, allowing only green crackers to be used during festivities.

In Short

• Karnataka restricts firecracker use to 8-10 pm with only green crackers allowed
• BJP criticises restrictions as targeting Hindu festivals like Diwali
• Union Minister says restrictions won't deter people from bursting crackers

The Karnataka government on Saturday imposed restrictions on the use of firecrackers ahead of Diwali, restricting the permissible hours for bursting crackers to a two-hour window between 8 pm and 10 pm. The move drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, which accused the Congress-led government of targeting Hindu festivals.

As per the government order, only eco-friendly green crackers are allowed during this period, which are required to adhere to sound limits below 125 decibels.

The BJP has criticised the move, accusing the Congress government of selectively imposing these restrictions on Hindu festivals, such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed the Siddaramaiah-led government and said that people who want to burst firecrackers will do so regardless of restrictions imposed.

"When it comes to playing DJ music, obtaining an FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals, or ensuring that Ganesh visarjan wraps up by 10 pm, restrictions are always imposed. Meanwhile, namaz begins in mosques as early as 5 am, yet no similar restrictions apply. These regulations only seem to target Hindu festivals. The orders are just words on paper; those determined to burst crackers will continue to do so regardless," Joshi told the press.

In response to the backlash, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the regulations align with directives from the Supreme Court and the central government, both of which mandate a limited two-hour window for firecrackers and require the use of green, low-decibel crackers.

Khandre also responded to the stance of Pralhad Joshi, accusing him of lacking awareness of his own government's regulations and the Supreme Court's directives.

"If they have concerns, they should question the Supreme Court and their own government’s decisions," Khandre said, adding that the Karnataka government's actions are in strict accordance with the law.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah said the sale of eco-friendly green crackers alone should be allowed in the state this Diwali.

"Diwali is approaching. The Supreme Court has given guidelines on what kind of crackers should be burst. Only green crackers should be sold and they should be burst from 8 pm to 10 pm," Siddaramaiah briefed reporters after the meeting.