'An old saying': BJP MLA clarifies 'firecrackers cure illness' remark, apologises

NEW DELHI: West Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari on Monday defended herself after facing criticism for claiming that bursting firecrackers helps kill germs and viruses.The actor-turned-politician said her statements were being deliberately twisted to garner TRP."Whenever I say something, people who oppose me use it to increase their TRP and views. Even if I cough or sneeze, the 'seku-maku' (a Bengali slang meaning secular and Marxists) pick it up," Adhikari told a Bengali TV channel."What I meant was that bursting firecrackers during Diwali-Kali Puja night kills germs, as told by our grandmothers and elders for generations. Lighting lamps drives away evil forces," she added.Later in the day, the BJP MLA apologised for her remarks and said: "There is an old saying from our ancestors regarding these traditions. In essence, this is a festival of lights - a festival of lighting lamps - meant to eradicate social evils.