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Netizens Call Out Virat Kohli's Hypocrisy As He Preaches Against Bursting Crackers On Diwali
Swarajya Staff
Nov 15, 2020, 09:35 AM | Updated 09:35 AM IST
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Virat Kohli the captain of the Indian Cricket Team on Saturday (14 November) earned the ire of social media users as he preached against the bursting of crackers in his Diwali message.
Happy Diwali ðð» pic.twitter.com/USLnZnMwzT
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) November 14, 2020
"Please remember do not burst crackers, protect the environment and have fun at home with your loved ones, a simple diya and sweets on this auspicious occasion", Kohli said in his message.
Twitter users soon took objection to his appeal against bursting crackers (purportedly to protect the environment) and questioned him for not practising what he preaches.
This included twitter users questioning him for his use of private jets which are known to emit 20 times the CO2 per passenger as compared to a commercial airliner.
Your private jet emits 20 times more CO2 than an airline.
— True Indology (@TIinExile) November 14, 2020
One trip leads to more emission than 2500 average kids bursting crackers. Not to speak of your SUVs.
These celebs destroy environment more than anyone else. But can't tolerate Hindus having fun for a day. Hypocrites! https://t.co/3vt2THEAm3
Guy who took a separate chartered plane to Dubai to play IPL, instead of flying with the team, asking others not to burst crackers to 'protect the environment'. https://t.co/mb7K9OBZC2
— Raju Das | ৰাà¦à§ দাস (@rajudasonline) November 14, 2020
It was reported that Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma had rented a Private Jet in New Zealand last year. For this year's IPL Kohli had flown to Dubai on a special chartered plane.
Other netizens questioned Kohli's large car collection which includes high-end SUVs, which are known to be fuel guzzlers.
You literally have a showroom in your house with vehicles not giving more than 10 kmpl.
— krithika sivaswamy (@krithikasivasw) November 14, 2020
Now sit and calculate the qty of CO2 generated in kg basis. (If you know to ) .You will realise how stupid you sound @imVkohli https://t.co/TZGeN9jPzT
Social Media users urged Kohli to stop targeting common people with his activism unless he is also willing to extend the same to other religions.
Bhai Virat, we really like u. You're our best batsman. But unless you've guts to say please celebrate bIoodIess Eid and Treeless Xmas, spare us this activism. We're fed up with celebrities telling us what to do and what not. Anyway, Happy Diwali and happy upcoming fatherhood.
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) November 14, 2020
Some also questioned Kohli for not following through on his fight against firecrackers by calling out their use in IPL and cricket matches.
Please ask ICC to stop using firecrackers in the tournaments, BCCI in IPL or you can stop playing for them. After all we have to save environment. Right? https://t.co/LAWNlkgUBu
— IHadASaffronPill (@NeedPill_) November 14, 2020
This Guy just had Firecracker full of IPL Final.
— Aashish (@kashmiriRefuge) November 14, 2020
He is telling us how to celebrate, did he tell the same to BCCI or IPL organisers? https://t.co/ZciPl6lK0j
Twitter users also dug up a 2016 photo of Kohli on New Year, where a firecracker can be seen in the distance.
Many over the years have questioned governments and activists for selectively targeting cracker bursting on Diwali - a tradition during the Hindu festival, when crackers are also burst on events like the New Year, weddings and election victories.
Studies over the year have indicated that crackers at best play a marginal role in their contribution towards contributing to pollution in Indian cities. Many as a result have claimed that a ban on crackers is more of an escape mechanism by authorities against taking concrete and difficult steps against combating pollution.
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