Cracker ban: 'Secular crowd' dabbling in vote-bank politics, says Tripura Governor

NEW DELHI: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy on Tuesday accused the "secular crowd" of dabbling in "vote-bank politics" when it came to the cracker ban.

"Either the 'secular crowd' dabbles in vote-bank politics or their patrons do. They have it on their minds when they talk of banning crackers," ANI quoted Roy as saying.

He also demanded to know why "they don't talk of banning azaan over loudspeakers."

"They don't talk of banning azaan over loudspeakers. Islam doesn't enjoin that azaan should be broadcast over loudspeakers," he claimed.

"There are minarets around mosques. The Muezzin is supposed to go up on the minarets and shout azaan. He's not supposed to use loudspeakers," he added.

A week ago, Roy had jumped into the debate on the Supreme Court ban on firecrackers in Delhi during Diwali.

"It was dahi handi once, today it's crackers. Candlelight and award wapasi gang could well target Hindu cremation rituals next by citing pollution concerns," he had said.

After his remarks came under sharp criticism, he clarified that he had not commented on the apex court's decision, but on the motives of those supporting the ban.

"These people of award wapasi and others who are trying to file this petition - their eyes are on the minority vote. There is politics behind this for sure," he had alleged.

(With inputs from agencies)