Suvendu says only Communists, non-Sanatanis complaining about firecrackers amid severe Kolkata air pollution

Kolkata West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and a few of his BJP colleagues have defended Deepavali celebrations in Kolkata after several parts of the city witnessed severe air pollution on the night of the festival, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) crossing 500 and noise levels crossing permissible limits in some areas. About 205 people were arrested for violation of the rules governing firecrackers in the West Bengal capital.

While a section of residents of the city and its suburbs were vocal about their displeasure on social media, Mr. Adhikari blamed “communists”, and those who do not have Sanatani (traditionalist Hindu) beliefs for criticising the government.