A new political controversy has broken out after a senior Samajwadi Party (SP) leader linked traditional cremation practices with rising pollution levels. The remark, made during a discussion on environmental sustainability in Lucknow, has led to strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the SP of hurting religious and cultural sentiments.
SP leader RK Chaudhary said that traditional funeral pyres, which use large amounts of wood, add to deforestation and air pollution. He also claimed that ash and remains released into rivers after cremation damage the Ganga and other holy water bodies. According to him, these practices increase both air and water pollution and worsen the environmental crisis, especially in the Indo-Gangetic plains.
Chaudhary suggested that the government should promote electric and gas-based crematoriums as cleaner alternatives. He argued that such facilities reduce the need for wood, lower carbon emissions, and help control pollution. He also called for incentives to encourage people to adopt these “greener” methods for last rites. The SP leader presented his comments as a scientific and environmental concern rather than a political or religious issue.
However, the BJP reacted sharply to his statements. Party leaders said the remarks were insensitive and showed a lack of respect for Indian traditions and beliefs. They accused the SP of targeting age-old customs in the name of environmental protection. BJP leaders also argued that cultural practices cannot be blamed alone for pollution and said the issue should be handled with sensitivity.
The BJP further stated that the government is already working on pollution control through various measures, including cleaner technologies and river conservation projects. According to them, attacking religious customs only creates division and unnecessary controversy.
The debate has sparked wider discussion on balancing environmental protection with cultural traditions. While some experts agree that electric and gas crematoriums are more eco-friendly, others believe any change must be gradual and respectful of social and religious values.
As the issue gains political heat, it highlights a larger challenge facing policymakers: how to address environmental concerns without offending deeply rooted traditions. For now, the comments have clearly turned into a fresh flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the opposition SP.
