Adhikari said her remarks about firecrackers during Diwali and Kali Puja were based on traditional beliefs passed down by previous generations. West Bengal BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari has defended her remarks claiming that bursting firecrackers helps kill germs and viruses, accusing her critics of deliberately twisting her statements to garner television ratings and online views. She later apologised for her comments and offered to withdraw them.