BJP-led BMC removed a video featuring Dia Mirza that urged citizens to avoid firecrackers during Diwali.
Because of her religious identity, opposition netas slammed BMC and BJP and wondered if Mirza had been targeted.
The row escalated after Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde labelled Mirza “anti-Hindu”; questioned the choice of naming her a campaign ambassador; cited her purported opposition in the past to Narmada dam project, UCC and a statement by PM Modi on NEET exam issue. He said he did not believe Mirza had said anything wrong by urging citizens to avoid firecrackers and questioned the need to remove her message. Mirza, who is the UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, told TOI: “Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair… Celebrate Diwali not with noise but happiness,” she said in the video. In a post on X the same night, Satam said, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from [Mirza]. Mayor Ritu Tawde said she was unaware that Mirza had been roped in for the campaign. She said she would ask the civic administration to bring to her notice in advance the names of celebrities associated with BMC campaigns. “Regardless of religion, every citizen must receive equal treatment as per the Constitution,” said city Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad. SP MLA Rais Shaikh said BJP could not treat a civic body as its party office, and sought an explanation for why Mirza’s clip was removed while others stayed online. “Satam should stop thinking he is above the law just because he is in govt,” said Clyde Crasto, national NCP spokesperson.
She added Mirza would be blacklisted from everything associated with BJP or Mahayuti, asserting Satam’s post reflected the position of all BJP corporators. The video was recorded with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration. The civic administration did not issue any public statement on the issue. “While celebrating Diwali, we should take care of the environment and our health. Pollution caused by firecrackers is harmful to all of us… Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture. Soon after, the civic body took down the actor’s video. Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray questioned Tawde’s claim of having been kept in the dark about the actor being asked to participate in the campaign.
BMC posted her clip on Sunday.