Gujarat BJP targets Kejriwal over cracker ban in Delhi, dubs such people 'anti-religious'

Rajkot Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Paatil has hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his go

Gujarat BJP chief C.R. Paatil has hit out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over his government's decision to completely ban firecrackers in the national capital, and dubbed such people "anti-religious" who were stopping citizens from celebrating their festivals.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi Government last month re-imposed a complete ban on the production, sale and use of all types of firecrackers till January 1, 2023, including on Diwali, a practice it has been following for the last two years.

Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai recently said bursting of firecrackers on Diwali in Delhi will attract a jail term of up to six months and a fine of ₹200.

Production, storage and sale of firecrackers in the capital will be punishable with a fine of up to ₹5,000 and three years jail under Section 9B of the Explosives Act, Mr. Rai had said.

Ahead of the Gujarat Assembly polls due later this year, AAP national convener Kejriwal has visited the State multiple times in the recent past to garner support for his party.

Addressing a gathering after a firecrackers show organised in Rajkot on October 22, Gujarat BJP chief Paatil said, "Today I read some news that the chief minister of Delhi has imposed a ban on firecrackers in Delhi. That brother is trying to come here [for elections in Gujarat]. Then how will you burst firecrackers?"

"So please recognise such anti-religious people and against firecrackers who stop us from celebrating our festivals," Mr. Paatil said.