BMC removes Dia Mirza Diwali video after BJP objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation pulled down an eco-friendly Diwali video featuring actor Dia Mirza following comments from a BJP leader.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a video message by actor Dia Mirza from its social media handles on Monday after objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam, according to reports by The Hindu, Urban Acres and Deccan Chronicle.
The video was part of an official campaign to encourage a noise and pollution-free Diwali, following directions from the Bombay High Court. While Mirza's clip was taken down, videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remain on the civic body's social media pages.
Satam had tagged the BMC on X, stating that the city does not require instructions on celebrating Diwali from Mirza and that their traditions are deeply rooted in culture. Satam later alleged to the Times of India that Mirza had been associated with anti-India forces, though he told the newspaper he had not specifically asked the administration to remove the post.
Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde stated that the actor had taken an anti-Hindutva stance, citing her past opposition to the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane also criticised the BMC for promoting Mirza, claiming she does not offer similar advice during other religious festivals.
Dia Mirza told news agency ANI that the video was recorded in the public interest to address air pollution concerns. Opposition leaders, including Congress leader Vijay Waddettiwar and Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh, criticised the move, questioning why the civic body was being influenced by the BJP.