BMC removes Dia Mirza's Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation deleted an actor's pollution-free Diwali appeal following criticism from the BJP Mumbai chief.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its social media handles on Sunday. According to reports from Deccan Chronicle, Daily Excelsior and Siasat, the clip was part of an eco-friendly Diwali campaign aimed at reducing noise and air pollution.
The removal followed an objection from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam on X. Satam wrote that people do not need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Mirza and stated that traditions are deeply rooted in culture. Within hours of the comment, the civic body, led by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, deleted the video.
While Mirza's clip was pulled down, the BMC retained campaign videos featuring cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad on its X and Instagram pages. The campaign follows a Bombay High Court directive regarding rising air pollution, noting that bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths is prohibited.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde claimed Mirza has always been anti-Hindu and said the city has blacklisted her. Mirza responded on social media, stating she did not charge any fee for the campaign and remarked that there is no goodness left in the era.
Opposition leaders criticised the move. Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishori Pednekar questioned if the administration had become a slave to the BJP or its Mumbai president. MNS corporator Yashwant Killedar also slammed Satam, questioning if the BJP approves of his brand of 'hypocritical Hindutva'.