Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Papiya Adhikari has landed in controversy after claiming that bursting firecrackers can help cure several diseases. Her remarks, made during a Kali Puja event in Kolkata, triggered widespread criticism on social media, particularly amid growing concerns over air and noise pollution following Diwali.
A video of the actor-turned-politician addressing a gathering at a Kali Puja pandal in her Tollygunge Assembly constituency has gone viral. While speaking into a microphone, Adhikari said that firecrackers could help cure several illnesses.
"We will burst firecrackers as per the directives issued by the police. And you know, bursting firecrackers also helps in curing many diseases," she said.
Her comments came amid an ongoing debate over firecracker use during festivals and the impact of pollution on public health.
Social Media Users Mock Papiya Adhikari's Remarks
The BJP MLA's statement sparked sarcastic reactions online, with several social media users questioning the scientific basis of her claim.
One user commented that hazardous firecracker smoke could be particularly dangerous for people suffering from asthma and heart conditions, while another took a dig at the remark by suggesting that firecrackers could be rebranded as medicine.
Another user sarcastically suggested that high pollution levels could soon be prescribed as immunity boosters.
Kolkata's Air Quality Raises Concerns
The controversy comes as Kolkata continues to face concerns over deteriorating air quality following Diwali celebrations.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data cited in reports, the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 301 on Diwali, placing it in the 'very poor' category.
Firecracker emissions release pollutants and particulate matter that can aggravate respiratory conditions, particularly among people with asthma and other existing health problems. Noise pollution from crackers can also affect people and animals.
BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari Explains Remark, Apologises
Following the backlash, Papiya Adhikari sought to explain her statement, saying it was based on traditional beliefs and sayings passed down by ancestors.
She also acknowledged that such beliefs were not appropriate in an era of scientific advancement. The MLA subsequently apologised if her comments had hurt anyone and said she was willing to withdraw her statement.
Who Is Papiya Adhikari?
Papiya Adhikari is an actor-turned-politician who joined the BJP in 2021. She contested the West Bengal Assembly elections that year but was unsuccessful.
She made her electoral breakthrough in the 2026 Assembly elections, defeating senior Trinamool Congress leader Aroop Biswas from the Tollygunge constituency in a major political upset.
