Dia Mirza’s pollution-free Diwali appeal sparked a political row, prompting BMC to remove her video.
A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale, taking suo motu note of the issue, said it was anguished by the “petty mindset” of certain persons, especially those who are representatives of the common man. It was “most unfortunate” that such a colour was given to a video made to spread awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution, the HC bench said. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also labelled Mirza “anti-Hindu” and said she would not be included in future BMC programmes or featured on its official platforms.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, too, criticised Mirza, saying she should focus on acting rather than religion, ANI reported.
Bhalai ka zamana hee nahi raha,” she said, according to PTI. Union minister Ramdas Athawale criticised the Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein actor over the BMC video, advising her to “focus on acting” rather than posting comments against a religion. He said the Constitution gave every religion the right to celebrate its festivals and acknowledged that bursting firecrackers was part of Diwali tradition, while also noting that excessive pollution was a concern. Taking suo motu cognisance of the controversy, the High Court said the BMC commissioner was right in choosing celebrities to spread awareness and that nobody could question the selection.
The actor, meanwhile, responded to the criticism by pointing out that she had made the video in public interest and had not charged the civic body for it. “Koi paise nahi liye hain. The row drew criticism from opposition leaders, with Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad accusing the BJP of politicising an environmental awareness campaign. It also reminded the authorities that its directions against bursting firecrackers on public roads and streets applied throughout the year, irrespective of festivals.