India, Dec. 18 -- Amid the ongoing pollution issue in Delhi and several other North Indian cities, a Samajwadi Party leader on Thursday claimed that burning of dead bodies is contributing to pollution, inviting a sharp rebuttal from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

SP leader RK Chaudhary, while referring to the issue of pollution, said burning bodies release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and it burns oxygen in the atmosphere. He also referred to Holika Dahan and said that the burning of wood during the festival contributes to pollution.

"When bodies are burnt, they release carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and it burns oxygen in the atmosphere. Even during the lighting of fire on Holika Dahan, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide...