📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jaya Ghosh
Politics
BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari apologises for saying firecrackers cure illness
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 05:01 AM
👁 13
BJP legislator Papiya Adhikari clarified her controversial comment that firecrackers can cure ailments and issued a public apology, citing a traditional saying as the source of the remark.
BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari, representing the Siliguri constituency in West Bengal, addressed the backlash over her remark that firecrackers could cure illnesses. In a press interaction, she said the statement was rooted in an old folk saying and not intended as medical advice.
Adhikari emphasized that she never meant to promote unsafe practices and expressed regret for any confusion caused among the public. She added that the comment was made in a casual context and was misinterpreted.
The legislator concluded by apologising to constituents and health officials, urging people to follow scientifically proven health measures instead of relying on superstitions.
The incident has sparked discussions on the responsibility of public figures when commenting on health-related topics, especially during festive seasons when firecracker usage spikes.
Party officials have noted the apology and indicated that the MLA will refrain from making similar statements in the future.
Adhikari emphasized that she never meant to promote unsafe practices and expressed regret for any confusion caused among the public. She added that the comment was made in a casual context and was misinterpreted.
The legislator concluded by apologising to constituents and health officials, urging people to follow scientifically proven health measures instead of relying on superstitions.
The incident has sparked discussions on the responsibility of public figures when commenting on health-related topics, especially during festive seasons when firecracker usage spikes.
Party officials have noted the apology and indicated that the MLA will refrain from making similar statements in the future.