Diwali in Delhi this year was nothing short of a pyrotechnic showdown. Despite warnings, strict bans, and mobilized enforcement teams, Delhiites lit up the night sky with fireworks. Thereby, sending a message louder than any cracker to AAP and its unholy alliance. For many, this display was a protest against what they see as a selective crackdown by the AAP government, targeting Hindu celebrations while pollution from other sources and stubble burning in Punjab goes unchecked. Let’s talk!
A Firey Revolt – Diwali Fireworks Light Up Delhi’s Nightsky
BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Delhi defies fire cracker ban by Arvind Kejriwal.
Delhi SHOCKS Entire Nation.
MASSIVE fireworks are bursting across Delhi.
AAP Minister Gopal Rai had mobilised 377 enforcement teams to ensure compliance with the ban.
Delhi skyline shows the city… pic.twitter.com/giJPMSPOky
— Times Algebra (@TimesAlgebraIND) October 31, 2024
Firecrackers burst across Delhi this Diwali, with locals challenging the restrictions on their right to celebrate. Officials had placed stringent bans, including the involvement of police and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). However, Delhiites showed their frustration with the government’s perceived hypocrisy by ensuring a firecracker burst every second!
Office of Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai says, "To ensure effective implementation of Firecrackers Ban, 77 teams of Revenue Department and 300 teams of Delhi Police have been mobilised across Delhi. So far, 79 cases related to the sale and storage of firecrackers have been…
— ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2024
Gopal Rai, Delhi’s Environment Minister, dedicated over 370 teams to seize firecrackers and enforce the ban.
Delhi police searching firecracker door to door 😯pic.twitter.com/jluZSVHuIA
— Umesh nishad (@umeshnishad02) November 1, 2024
Reportedly, these officials even threatened Delhiites with arrest for violating the ban! But, neighborhoods like Punjabi Bagh, Burari, and East of Kailash saw an array of fireworks, rendering the ban ineffective. Each firecracker was a moment of rebellion against the AAP and its duplicitous ban on Diwali celebrations. Thus, Delhi’s Diwali highlighted how residents are fed up with sacrificing their traditions while politicians ignore major pollution sources.
AAP’s Double Standards: Stubble Fires Ignored While Diwali Flames Are Doused
#Firecracker ban in Delhi- No effect. #Delhi saw the usual trend with peak hourly PM2.5 concentrations at midnight. #Wazirpur station in Delhi recorded highest daily PM2.5 average of 252 μg/m3 on 31st October. It is 4 times India NAAQS and almost 17 times WHO standard. For… pic.twitter.com/Bqgta6qGr8
— Manoj kumar (@manoj_kumar_nr) October 31, 2024
The AAP government’s stance on pollution has left many Hindus feeling targeted. The state of Punjab, where AAP holds power, witnesses unchecked and rampant stubble burning. Yet, Kejriwal’s administration has done little to curb this pollution source. Instead, they focus on prohibiting firecrackers, an age-old Diwali tradition for Hindus. Locals voiced frustration, noting how the same officials celebrate political victories, like bail for Kejriwal and Sisodia, with fireworks. But they shamelessly punish Hindus for celebrating Diwali.
For many, the Firecracker ban appeared less about genuine pollution control and more about targeting Hindu cultural practices.
Rising Pollution and Public Frustration
How to stop Pollution in Delhi:
Number of efforts by Kejriwal to Stop Diwali Crackers: 1000%
Number of efforts by Kejriwal to Stop the burning of Stubble: 0
— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) October 31, 2024
Delhi’s air quality has undeniably worsened, with PM2.5 levels and overall AQI deteriorating. It saw a huge spike in pollution on Diwali night! However, the root causes primarily vehicle emissions, construction dust, and stubble burning remain neglected. As the festive season unfolded, the people of Delhi took matters into their own hands, celebrating Diwali with traditional fervor.
In this act of defiance, they demonstrated resilience and a strong message to the administration: Pollution control needs to start with genuine action, not selective restrictions on Hindu traditions.
🚨#WATCH | Delhi residents respond to Kejriwal’s firecracker ban with a bang! 🎇✨
The skies are alive with vibrant lights and the sound of celebration as people light up the night with colorful firecrackers! 🔥🎆#DelhiPollution #Diwali #Delhi pic.twitter.com/gdh8Bk5B8W
— Shubham Singh (@Shubhamsingh038) October 31, 2024
Delhi’s Hindus made one thing clear this Diwali – if they must brave smog, they will do it on their terms. They will wear a mask to protect their lungs while they go to work, but only after they celebrate Diwali with full gusto! Hence, Delhiites refuse to be punished twice over :- bearing the brunt of stubble burning and banned from bursting firecrackers! The question is, will the AAP government and Kejriwal respond with a comprehensive plan or continue to single out Hindu religious traditions?