{
  "id": 19526125,
  "title": "Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari apologises over ‘firecrackers cure diseases’ remark, says she meant they ‘kill germs’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/bengal-bjp-mla-papiya-adhikari-apologises-over-firecrackers-cure",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-11T17:13:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bengal-bjp-mla-papiya-adhikari-apologises-over-firecrackers-cure-diseases-remark-says-she-meant-they-kill-germs-11794413960371.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari finds herself at the center of controversy after she sparked outrage with her claim that bursting firecrackers can cure diseases and help kill germs and viruses. The West Bengal BJP MLA made the remarks during a Kali Puja pandal inauguration in her Tollygunge constituency, a remark which was met with strong criticism.\n\nAdhikari stood by her statements and accused her critics of deliberately twisting her words to increase their TRPs and views. She clarified that her remarks were based on traditional beliefs passed down by her ancestors. Adhikari also defended the burning of green crackers during Kali Puja, stating that it is an integral part of the festival.\n\nIn the face of criticism, Adhikari later offered to retract her statement, expressing regret over her comments. She acknowledged that traditional beliefs may not be appropriate in the context of modern scientific understanding. Adhikari emphasized that the core idea remains the same - such social evils were and still can be eradicated through various means, including the burning of firecrackers and the lighting of lamps.",
  "summary": "Adhikari said her remarks about firecrackers during Diwali and Kali Puja were based on traditional beliefs passed down by previous generations.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}