Mumbai Mayor Blacklists Dia Mirza Over Eco-Friendly Diwali Video
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde blacklisted actor Dia Mirza after the BMC removed her pollution-free Diwali campaign video following objections from BJP leadership.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a public awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its pollution-free Diwali campaign following objections from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam. The campaign, titled "Let's Avoid the Noise of Firecrackers and Multiply the Joy!", was launched in accordance with Bombay High Court directives to restrict firecrackers and combat rising air pollution in public spaces.
Satam criticized Mirza's involvement on X, stating that traditions are deeply rooted in culture and that the actor's lessons were unnecessary. The controversy escalated when Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde labeled Mirza "anti-Hindu" and announced that she has been blacklisted from official BMC programs. Tawde alleged that Mirza pursues a "selective agenda" against Hindutva, citing her past opposition to the Uniform Civil Code, the Narmada project, and her criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the NEET exam.
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane joined the criticism, accusing Mirza of targeting Hindu festivals while ignoring pollution during other religious holidays such as Eid and Bakri Eid. Mirza defended her participation, stating the video was recorded in the interest of public health and environmental awareness. She questioned why a message requested by the BMC and the Bombay High Court should be criticized, emphasizing that air pollution affects everyone.
