A BJP MP from Jharkhand has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prohibit the use of betel nuts (supari) for human consumption, claiming it causes deadly diseases like cancer.
However, he added that betel nuts can be allowed to be used for other purposes such as religious ceremonies.
In a letter to the prime minister some time ago, Godda MP Nishikant Dubey listed out a number of harmful effects on human health resulting from consumption of betel nuts.
"From my personal experience as MP of Jharkhand, I have witnessed people getting severely ill with deadly diseases such as cancer as a result of this consumption of betel nut, which is an essential ingredient of pan masala. I urge Prime Minister Modi ji to prohibit the use of betel nut for human consumption," Mr Dubey said.
Listing out the effects of betel nut consumption on human health, he said it aggravates asthamatic symptoms, severely impacts the cardiovascular system by increasing heart rate and can also lead to dyspnea, tachypnea and other diseases.
Raj Thackeray's Convoy Attacked With Tomatoes In Maharashtra's Beed Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 5 Facts About Nishikant Dubey, BJP's Candidate From Jharkhand's Godda Where Is Hemant Soren? BJP Says 'On The Run', Congress Sees A Conspiracy How August 15 Flag Row Caused Rift Between Arvind Kejriwal, Kailash Gahlot Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot Quits AAP, 'Sheeshmahal' Jab Is Parting Shot X User Seeks Relief For Middle Class. Nirmala Sitharaman Responds Hezbollah Spokesman Killed In Israeli Strike On Beirut: Report NEET UG Counselling: Special Stray Vacancy Round Schedule Out, Details Here Saudi Executes Over 100 Foreigners In 2024: Report Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.