The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza that promoted an eco-friendly Diwali, following objections raised by leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The civic body had initiated a campaign encouraging citizens to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers, in compliance with a directive from the Bombay High Court aimed at addressing rising air pollution levels in Mumbai. Mirza was among several celebrities enlisted for this initiative.

The video, in which Mirza urged the public to consider environmental and public health concerns during the festival, was posted on the BMC’s official social media accounts at 8.25 am on Sunday and was taken down later that evening. Other campaign videos featuring celebrities such as Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remained available on the BMC’s platforms.

The removal occurred shortly after BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam expressed his discontent with the video, stating, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”

Response from Dia Mirza and Civic Officials

In response to the video’s removal, Dia Mirza took to social media to clarify that she did not receive any payment for her participation in the campaign, expressing disappointment at the current state of goodwill in society. She stated, “I did not charge any fee for the Diwali campaign. There is no goodness left in this era.”

Civic officials noted that Mirza was chosen for her strong advocacy on environmental issues and had voluntarily recorded the message. They expressed surprise at the backlash, as they believed her involvement was aligned with the campaign’s objectives. The UN Environment Programme has designated her as its Goodwill Ambassador for India, further solidifying her credentials in environmental advocacy.

Despite the controversy, some officials within the BMC, including Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, expressed confusion over the decision to remove the video, stating that they found nothing objectionable in Mirza’s message.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The removal of the video has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who allege that the BMC acted under pressure from the BJP. Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad called for the resignation of Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, asserting that the commissioner should uphold constitutional values of equality and secularism.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishori Pednekar questioned whether the civic administration had succumbed to the BJP’s influence, accusing Satam of overstepping his bounds. MNS corporator Yashwant Killedar challenged BJP leaders to demonstrate their commitment to firecrackers by using them outside their residences, highlighting the differing views on how Diwali should be celebrated.

BJP minister Nitesh Rane remarked that while Dia Mirza commented on Diwali, she did not extend similar advice during other religious festivals, suggesting a selective approach to advocacy. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale acknowledged the importance of firecrackers in Diwali celebrations but also recognised the need to address pollution concerns.

The ongoing dispute reflects broader tensions surrounding cultural practices and environmental awareness, with the BMC’s decision to remove Mirza’s video drawing both support and criticism from various political factions. The civic body’s actions have raised questions about the influence of political agendas on public health campaigns and the role of celebrities in promoting social messages.

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