Ahead of Diwali in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had launched an awareness campaign to appeal to people not to burst crackers and celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali.
Many well-known personalities from the film and cricket world were included in this campaign. These included actresses Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Marathi actress Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
But on November 1, controversy started after Mirza's video surfaced on BMC's social media account. Mumbai BJP President and MLA Amit Satam objected to this video.
A few hours later, BMC removed Dia Mirza's video from its social media account. However, videos of other celebrities involved in the same campaign remained on BMC's X and Instagram accounts.
After this, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also gave a statement against Dia Mirza. He said that the actress will not be included in any program of BMC and will not get a place on the government platform. The Mayor also said that in future no public message should be released on BMC's social media accounts without his approval.
This campaign of BMC was to make people aware about the air and noise pollution caused by firecrackers during Diwali. The celebrities involved in this had appealed to the people of Mumbai not to burn firecrackers and reduce pollution.
The message written by BMC along with Dia Mirza's video referred to the Bombay High Court's directions that bursting of firecrackers on public roads, streets and footpaths is prohibited.
Dia Mirza has been speaking on environmental and pollution issues for a long time. She is also a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.
Amit Satam wrote on X, "We don't need to learn from Dia Mirza how to celebrate Diwali. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture."
According to an Indian Express report, a BMC official said that the administration decided to remove the earlier post following public objections. However, the official also said that BMC's stand on bursting of firecrackers has not changed and it is following the Bombay High Court order.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde accused Dia Mirza of trolling Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposing Hindutva. He said, "If you look at Dia Mirza's profile, she has opposed Narmada, opposed UCC. She has opposed the environmental crisis for which we were working. She has opposed the statements of respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She opposes those who work for Hindutva. That's why we oppose her video."
Interestingly, apart from Dia Mirza, videos of Madhuri Dixit, Marathi actress Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane are also included in BMC's awareness campaign regarding Diwali and their videos have not been removed by BMC.
When a journalist drew Ritu Tawde's attention to the fact that BMC Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi had supported Dia Mirza, Ritu Tawde replied, "This may be his thinking. This is not our thinking. It is not necessary that we react to his statement."
He said, "Mumbai accepts people of every caste, religion and sect. But whoever it is, if he talks against Hindutva, every worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party will take to the streets and give him a befitting reply."
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dia Mirza said, "Diwali is the festival of victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. This video was recorded with the aim of making people aware, so that they can celebrate Diwali more responsibly by taking care of their health."
