Kolkata, Nov. 9 -- Facing backlash for crediting firecrackers with curing some diseases, BJP's MLA from Tollygunge in West Bengal, Papia Adhikary, on Monday, November 9, sought to take her statement back.

Speaking to ANI, she said, "There is an old saying from our ancestors regarding these traditions. In essence, this is a festival of lights-a festival of lighting lamps-meant to eradicate social evils. In the past, through rituals, many such evils were addressed."

Calling it an era of firecrackers, Adhikhari mentioned how science has advanced, and that perspective probably doesn't hold anymore. "If anyone has been hurt, I apologise. I am willing to retract my statement; consider it withdrawn. But the core idea remains: such social evils...