Kolkata: Politicians often say bizarre things to sensationalise issues and grab headlines. Earlier, they could get away without serious backlash, but not in the age of social media.
Papiya Adhikari, a BJP legislator from West Bengal, has prescribed firecrackers for those suffering from diseases. The first-time MLA from Tollygunge constituency said while inaugurating a Kali Puja in south Kolkata that bursting firecrackers can actually help cure people of any ailment.
Yes, you heard that right!
“We will burst firecrackers as per the directives issued by the police. And you know, bursting firecrackers also helps in curing many diseases,” Papiya said.
As the video of the actor-politician surfaced online and went viral, a row erupted.
Her strange comment evoked sharp response from the Opposition amid concerns over pollution caused by firecrackers in an already poor air quality environment, and triggered a wave of sarcastic reactions and jokes.
In a scathing comment laced with sarcasm, one user ‘agreed’ with the MLA, suggesting that firecracker smoke could offer people suffering from asthma permanent relief — by killing them.
“Yes, if someone has severe asthma or critical heart disease, hazardous smoke can permanently send them out of this world . . . No life, no disease!” read the comment.
“When healthcare becomes expensive, just rebrand firecrackers as medicine. Nothing builds a vote bank like mixing blind faith with bad science,” said another user.
“Next, they will prescribe AQI 500 as immunity boosters,” joked another person.
Kolkata’s average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Diwali night was 301, placing it in ‘very poor’ category, according to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data.
No wonder social media users had a field day mocking Papiya’s weird observation.