India, Nov. 9 -- Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Papia Adhikari has triggered a controversy by claiming that bursting firecrackers can cure diseases during a Kali Puja event in her Tollygunge constituency in Kolkata.

The legislator remarked while inaugurating a Kali Puja idol at a community pandal on Saturday. As she addressed the gathering with a microphone, a loud firecracker burst nearby. Continuing her speech, she told the crowd, "You will see that bursting firecrackers will cure several diseases."

She also invoked Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari's remarks in support of bursting crackers during Kali Puja, saying the celebrations would not be complete without them. She added that people should follow police guidelines while bursting crack...