On Diwali, why worry about bad air, it'll improve on own: Yogi Adityanath

NewsIndia NewsOn Diwali, why worry about bad air, it'll improve on own: Yogi Adityanath On Diwali, why worry about bad air, it'll improve on own: Yogi Adityanath Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday defended the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali LUCKNOW: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday defended the bursting of firecrackers during Diwali, saying he had personally participated in celebrations in Ayodhya and arguing that concerns over pollution were being selectively raised.Speaking at an event in Lucknow, Yogi said people were now able to celebrate Diwali and other festivals "without fear" and criticised those who, he claimed, objected to firecrackers.Referring to complaints about air quality, he said pollution may increase during Diwali but would also subside.

"Lots of people said there was pollution due to Diwali celebrations. I said pollution did happen but it will end also. Why worry about it?" he said. The chief minister used the remarks to target political opponents, alleging that while corruption had "polluted the entire system," criticism was directed at common people celebrating for a single day.

He maintained that any pollution caused by crackers was temporary and not a major issue, adding that it was good people celebrated Diwali with "dhoom dharaka." He said he was happy that large numbers of people lit firecrackers.Join conversation InsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig Development Yogi reiterated his govt's stance of imposing no restrictions on Diwali celebrations and said he was in Ayodhya during the lighting of firecrackers.

He also said that festivals had been celebrated with grandeur this year. Contrasting the present with the period before 2017, the chief minister claimed festivals were earlier preceded by riots and curfews, which affected markets and public safety.

He said that over the past 9.5 years there had been no curfews and no "danga," adding that the situation in Uttar Pradesh had changed. Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app. A senior assistant editor with TOI with over 20 years of experience in reporting from New Delhi and UP.

She currently covers politics and governance, CM Office and other key departments in UP, and Aam Aadmi Party. She has travelled extensively and covered various important issues and events in Delhi, Lucknow, and various districts in UP, from politics and elections to environment, social issues, rural development, water etc.

She loves reading, travelling and music. Diwali 1984: Grenade Plot to Wipe Out The Entire Gandhi Parivar, Revealed In Sonia Gandhi's Memoir ELECTIONS WITH TOI | Why Are Donors Abandoning Congress? The 75% Funding Slump Babri, Godhra, 1984 Riots: 5 Biggest Flashpoints In Sonia Gandhi's Memoir Kulgam Attack: Terrorists Open Fire On CRPF Checkpoint In J&K; 2 Personnel Injured NSUI Leader Suspended For ‘Luring’ DU Girls To Diljit Dosanjh Concert, BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi ‘She Gave Up PM Post, Became Super PM’: Sudhanshu Trivedi Targets Sonia Gandhi After Memoir Release 'You Show Rahul's Pic With George Soros': Sam Pitroda Rubbishes BJP's 'Foreign Hand' Claims Punjab Burns Again: What Triggered Diwali Farm-Fire Surge?

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