Lucknow, Nov. 12 -- Amid the ongoing debate over a sharp spike in AQI levels, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday came out with a strong endorsement of Diwali celebrations with firecrackers while apparently accusing the Opposition of having polluted the system through corruption.

Asserting that post-Diwali pollution would subside, he questioned the need for an unnecessary discussion when people burst crackers only for a day.

"We decided not to impose any prohibitions on fireworks on the occasion of Diwali," he said.

He made the remark while speaking at a programme organised to distribute appointment letters to 1,146 newly selected junior assistants for the revenue department.

"People did well, celebrated Diwali with great pomp...