West Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari has officially retracted a contentious statement suggesting that bursting firecrackers could cure diseases. The actor-turned-politician, who represents the Tollygunge constituency, faced significant public backlash following the remarks she made while attending a Kali Puja inauguration ceremony. In the wake of the controversy, the legislator has issued an apology to those who felt offended by her comments, stating that she has formally withdrawn the assertion.
The incident occurred during an event where a firecracker was set off near the MLA as she was addressing the gathering. In response to the noise and the atmosphere, Adhikari defended the tradition of bursting crackers during the festival, noting that while she would adhere to police guidelines, the practice was an essential part of the celebrations. It was during this address that she claimed the activity possessed medicinal properties, a remark that quickly circulated on social media and drew criticism.
Following the emergence of the controversy, Adhikari spoke to the media to clarify her position. She expressed confusion regarding the negative reception of her comments, accusing the media of misrepresenting her intent. She emphasized that her remarks were rooted in long-standing traditional beliefs passed down by her ancestors, rather than a scientific claim. She further explained that these beliefs were historically linked to the tradition of lighting lamps and performing rituals intended to eradicate social evils.
Reflecting on the disparity between ancient customs and modern understanding, the MLA acknowledged that such claims do not hold weight in the present scientific era. She elaborated on the cultural significance of the festival, noting that the act of lighting lamps and performing yagyas was metaphorically or traditionally associated with cleansing society of ills. She conceded that in a world where science has advanced significantly, the assertion that firecrackers provide health benefits is not factually accurate.
The MLA reiterated that she did not intend to promote unscientific ideas, asserting that the media’s interpretation of her words was misguided. During her clarification, she stated, "If anyone has been hurt, we apologise. We can even retract what we said—consider it retracted." By emphasizing that she was referencing ancestral sayings, she sought to frame the narrative as a misunderstanding of a cultural reference rather than a deliberate promotion of misinformation.
The event has highlighted the ongoing friction between traditional practices during festive seasons and the scrutiny of public figures in the modern age. As an elected official, Adhikari’s comments were met with skepticism, prompting her to distance herself from the literal interpretation of the health claims. By withdrawing the statement, she has sought to put an end to the discourse surrounding her remarks, effectively concluding the matter at the local political level.
Moving forward, the incident serves as a reminder of the heightened sensitivity surrounding public statements made by political representatives during major religious festivals. While Adhikari maintained that her reference was to historical folklore, her decision to retract the comment was prompted by the widespread public discomfort it generated. The MLA concluded her explanation by reaffirming her respect for the festive sentiments of her constituents while distancing herself from the specific medical claim that initially triggered the controversy.
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