Firecrackers can cure diseases: Bengal BJP MLA's bizarre remark goes viral

Published 09 Nov 2026, 15:12 IST

What's behind this

BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari claimed that firecrackers can cure several diseases, a statement that drew backlash and was later retracted. The claim was made as Kolkata’s air quality was reported by the Central Pollution Control Board to have an average AQI of 301, categorised as ‘very poor’. Health experts note that firecracker smoke releases fine particles and harmful gases that irritate the airways and affect lung health, with both short‑and long‑term effects even after air quality improves.

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Firecrackers can cure diseases: Bengal BJP MLA's bizarre remark goes viral

— India Today

Coverage arrived over 35 hours — first from The Economic Times, latest from The Hindu.

✓ High Corroboration ⚡ Cross-Spectrum Consensus 5 news outlets reporting

Fact-Check & Bias Analysis

Confirmed by multiple independent newsrooms across the political spectrum.

Coverage Bias Distribution

Based on 5 reporting publishers

L 20%

C 20%

R 60%

Left / Center-Left 1 (20%)

Center 1 (20%)

Center-Right / Right 3 (60%)

Left Blindspot: Little to no coverage from left-leaning outlets.

Compare all reporting outlets (5)

The Economic Times Center-Right Bennett, Coleman & Co. 08 Nov 2026, 06:40 IST

Fire breaks out in basement of building in Delhi's Khidki Extension; 10-11 rescued

Malviya Nagar fire: A fire occurred in the basement of a building located in Khidki Extension, South Delhi. The fire started in a parked car and was quickly reported to the authorities. Delhi Fire Services acted promptly, dispatching three fire tenders to the scene of the incident. About ten to…

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30 hours later
DT Next Center Daily Thanthi Group 09 Nov 2026, 13:14 IST

1,116 people injured in firecracker accidents across Tamil Nadu during Deepavali

CHENNAI: As many as 1,116 people were hospitalised for injuries sustained in firecracker related accidents across Tamil Nadu during Deepavali celebrations, according to a Daily Thanthi report . According to Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services Department, 985 people, including 597 men, 98 women and…

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35 minutes later
The Pioneer Center-Right The Pioneer 09 Nov 2026, 13:50 IST

Two die, 430 admitted for burns in Tamil Nadu over Deepavali

Chennai: Two people died of burn injuries and 430 others were admitted to hospitals across Tamil Nadu for burns during Deepavali celebrations, according to a State Health Department bulletin. The fatalities included an adult man and a child below 15 years of age. No woman died of burn injuries…

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1 hour later
India Today Center-Right Living Media India Current article 09 Nov 2026, 15:12 IST

Firecrackers can cure diseases: Bengal BJP MLA's bizarre remark goes viral

Read at India Today ↗
3 hours later
The Hindu Center-Left Kasturi & Sons Ltd. 09 Nov 2026, 18:25 IST

Deepavali pollution spike: How does it affect lung function and respiratory health? | Explained

Firecracker smoke releases fine particles and harmful gases that irritate the airways and affect lung health. Experts explain the short- and long-term effects of exposure and whether the damage persists after air quality improves

Compare on Varta → Read at The Hindu ↗