BMC removes Dia Mirza's Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation deleted an anti-pollution campaign clip following criticism from Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its social media handles on Sunday. The video was part of a campaign urging people to avoid noise and air pollution for an eco-friendly Diwali, according to reports by Deccan Chronicle and India Today.
The removal occurred after Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam tagged the civic body on X to object to the video. Satam wrote that people do not need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Mirza, stating that traditions are deeply rooted in culture.
While Mirza's clip was deleted, campaign videos featuring cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad remained on the BMC's X and Instagram pages. The campaign followed a Bombay High Court directive regarding rising air pollution in Mumbai.
Mayor Ritu Tawde told reporters on Monday that Mirza has always been anti-Hindu and has sided with divisive forces. Mirza responded on social media, stating she had not charged any fee for the campaign.
Opposition leaders criticised the move, with Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishori Pednekar asking if the administration had become a slave to the BJP. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena corporator Yashwant Killedar also criticised Satam's stance.
BJP minister Nitesh Rane claimed Mirza does not offer similar advice during other festivals. Rane said he would discuss the issue with Chief Minister Fadnavis to prevent such matters in the future.