THOSE WHO BURST CRACKERS ARE BLAMED, THOSE WHO POLLUTED THE WHOLE SYSTEM ARE NOT’: YOGI HITS BACK ON DIWALI POLLUTION ROW

LUCKNOW:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday hit back at criticism linking Diwali celebrations to pollution, questioning why those who burst firecrackers were being blamed while those who had “polluted the entire system” faced no scrutiny.

The UP CM made these remarks while speaking at an appointment letter distribution programme, where he handed over letters to *1,146 newly recruited junior assistants*.

WHAT YOGI SAID

Addressing the gathering, Yogi said:

“You celebrated Diwali and several people are saying that it caused pollution. I said, ‘Don't worry; pollution would be mitigated as well.’”

He added in a sharp tone:

“Those who burst firecrackers are being blamed for pollution. But those who have polluted the entire system — no one questions them.”

The remark was seen as a direct attack on opposition leaders, liberals, and environmental activists who had blamed Diwali firecrackers for the spike in AQI in Delhi-NCR, Lucknow, Kanpur, and other UP cities after Diwali.

 WHY THIS STATEMENT MATTERS

This Diwali, after two days of celebrations, Delhi’s AQI touched 418 in Ghazipur and 337 in Akshardham, while Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj also recorded ‘Very Poor’ air.

A section of media and social media blamed firecrackers, especially after the Supreme Court had allowed limited bursting of green crackers.

Yogi’s statement flips the debate:

His argument:

Diwali is 1-2 days of celebration

Systemic pollution stubble burning, factories, vehicles, construction dust, corruption in civic bodies  happens 365 days

 Why target only Hindu festival?

Critics’ argument:

One night of crackers = 10 days of pollution, PM2.5 up 10x

Children, asthma patients, elderly suffer the most

 Festival can be celebrated without loud bombs

THE EVENT  1,146 GET JOBS

At the same programme, Yogi handed over appointment letters to 1,146 junior assistants selected through UPSSSC.

He congratulated the youth and said:

 “This is New Uttar Pradesh. Jobs are given on merit, not on recommendation, not on caste, not on money. If you work honestly, UP will change.”

He also reminded the new recruits that they are the face of the government  people will judge Yogi government by how they behave in tehsil, block, and district offices.

POLITICAL REACTION

BJP supporters:Say Yogi spoke the truth — Diwali is being targeted while real polluters are ignored. “Festival shaming must stop.”

Opposition: Samajwadi Party and Congress said Yogi is diverting attention from rising pollution in UP cities and failing AQI. “Blaming the system is easy, cleaning the air is the CM’s job.”

Environmentalists:Say both are true  systemic pollution AND Diwali crackers both need control. One cannot be used to excuse the other.

 DIWALI VS POLLUTION DEBATE 2026

This year, the debate has become louder than ever:

Delhi: AQI Severe after Diwali

Bundi, Rajasthan: 12-year-old boy died after sutli bomb burst in steel glass

UP: Several fire accidents, burn injuries reported

Supreme Court:Allowed green crackers for limited hours

Yogi’s remark now adds a political dimension  Diwali is not just environment, it is identity, culture, and vote bank.

Yogi Adityanath has made it clear: He will not apologise for Diwali.

His message to youth: Celebrate your festival with pride, get a job on merit, and don’t let anyone guilt-trip you for your culture.

His message to critics: If you want to fight pollution, fight the whole system  not just 2 hours of crackers.

“Diwali will be celebrated. Pollution will also be controlled. Both can happen together.”  Yogi Adityanath