Karnataka fireworks restrictions announced by Congress govt, BJP says targeting Hindu festivals – Karnataka News

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

As per the government’s instructions, only eco-friendly green crackers are allowed during this period, which must comply with sound limits below 125 decibels.

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

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

“Restrictions are always in place when it comes to playing DJ music, getting FSSAI certificate for prasad at Ganesh pandals or ensuring Ganesh visarjan is completed by 10 pm. Meanwhile, prayers in mosques start as early as 5 am, but nothing like it yet Restrictions apply . These regulations seem to target Hindu festivals only. The orders are just words on paper; those who are determined to burst crackers will continue to do so no matter what,” Joshi told the media.

Responding to the backlash, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre clarified that the regulations are in line with the directives from the Supreme Court and the central government; both mandate a limited two-hour period for fireworks and the green mandates the use of low-decibel crackers. .

Khandre also responded to Pralhad Joshi’s stand, accusing him of not being aware 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 actions of the Karnataka government were in full compliance with the law.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah said that only eco-friendly green crackers should be allowed to be sold in the state this Diwali.

“Diwali is approaching. The Supreme Court has given guidelines on what type of crackers should be burst. Only green crackers should be sold and should be burst between 8 pm and 10 pm,” Siddaramaiah told reporters in a briefing after the meeting.