BJP MLA Papia Adhikari's Claim That Firecrackers Cure Diseases Sparks Controversy
BJP MLA Papia Adhikari sparked controversy by claiming that bursting firecrackers can cure diseases during a Kali Puja event in Kolkata. Her remarks came amid rising concerns over air and noise pollution following Diwali, with Kolkata's air quality reaching 'very poor' levels. Adhikari cited West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's support for bursting firecrackers during festivals, emphasizing adherence to police guidelines. The claim drew criticism and sarcastic responses online, with experts noting no scientific basis and highlighting health risks from firecracker emissions.
First-hand measurement across 10 sources
We measured how 10 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 28%, Centre 68%, Right 4%). Overall sentiment is negative (39/100). Lens Score 51/100.
Outlets measured: news18, ndtv, httpswwwoutlookindiacom, indiatoday, httpswwwoutlookindiacom, deccanherald, timesnow, freepressjournal, and 2 more. See how each one headlined and framed the same story in the source comparison below.
AI Analysis
All 10 outlets scored close to centre on political lean. The real divergence here is in emphasis, not lean — compare the headlines below to see how each outlet chose to frame the same facts.
Sentiment was consistent across outlets (28–48/100), indicating broadly factual reporting rather than editorialising.
Coverage timeline
moneycontrol broke this story on 9 Nov, 02:39 am. Other outlets followed.