The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken down an anti-firecracker video featuring actor Dia Mirza after backlash from the BJP, despite similar videos by other celebrities like cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actor Madhuri Dixit remaining online.
The BMC had roped in several celebrities to promote messages discouraging the use of firecrackers during Diwali after the Bombay High Court rapped it over rising air pollution in Mumbai. The high court had directed the civic body to regulate bursting of firecrackers during festivals, banning the activity on public roads, parks and other common areas.
The court had suggested the BMC include actors and other prominent celebrities in its campaign to disseminate the anti-firecracker message.
Mirza was also roped in to be part of the awareness campaign. In her video, she called for avoiding firecrackers as they also cause noise pollution. However, her video sparked criticism from the BJP and other social media handles. BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam objected to the video.
In a post on X, Satam said, "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture."
Subsequently, the post was removed from the civic body's social media account without any explanation. BJP's ally Shiv Sena also reacted to the controversy, urging Dia to understand the cultural identity associated with Diwali.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said, "Diwali is clearly the festival of lights. And Dia Mirza, whose name has a 'Diya' in it, should understand that there is a certain kind of cultural identity associated with Diwali. Nobody is propagating pollution or bursting crackers, but we need to introspect ourselves. We don't need a lesson from others on what we should be doing as Mumbaikars."
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also objected to Dia Mirza's message, saying Diwali would lose its significance if firecrackers are not burst. However, he stressed that excessive pollution must also be addressed.
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"Dia Mirza is a film actress and belongs to the Muslim community, but this is not a matter of any particular community. The Constitution grants every religion the right to celebrate its festivals. Just as Hindus respect and participate in Eid, the Hindu community celebrates Diwali. If firecrackers are not burst, Diwali may lose some of its significance, though we must also be concerned about excessive pollution," Athawale said.