Maharashtra CM says BMC has right to decide social media content
Devendra Fadnavis defended the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation after it removed a Diwali awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Tuesday that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has the authority to manage its own social media content. His comments followed a Bombay High Court directive for the civic body to re-upload a video featuring actor Dia Mirza, which encouraged citizens to avoid using firecrackers on public roads during Diwali.
According to ANI, Fadnavis described the situation as a small issue and stated that the decision to delete the video belonged to the municipal corporation. He noted that the authority managing the social media accounts has the right to choose which content to keep or remove.
The controversy began after the BMC removed Mirza's video from its platforms following objections from political leaders, while keeping messages from other celebrities like Madhuri Dixit Nene and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam had criticised the video on X, stating that traditions are deeply rooted in Indian culture and that lessons on celebrating Diwali were unnecessary.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also criticised the appeal, according to Urban Acres, noting that Mumbaikars do not need to be told how to observe the festival of lights. Meanwhile, Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi expressed disagreement with the objections and said he would ask the administration to restore the clip.
The awareness campaign was launched following Bombay High Court instructions to address air pollution in Mumbai. A bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale expressed displeasure over remarks made by certain political leaders during the hearing.