The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed actor Dia Mirza’s video from its pollution-free Diwali campaign after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her inclusion, triggering a political controversy over the civic body’s awareness drive.
The campaign was launched following a Bombay High Court directive amid rising air pollution in Mumbai, urging citizens to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali.
Videos featuring Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane were part of the initiative.
Satam criticised Mirza’s inclusion in a post on X, saying, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”
Following his objection, the BMC, led by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, removed Mirza’s video from its X and Instagram accounts.
However, campaign videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and Ajinkya Rahane remained online. The civic body has not issued an official explanation for the removal.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also said Diwali’s cultural significance should be understood, adding that citizens did not need lessons from outsiders on how to celebrate the festival.
The decision drew mixed reactions online. While some users questioned the selective removal and defended changing cultural traditions, others praised Satam for raising the objection.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the BMC’s pollution-awareness campaign and its decision to remove only one celebrity’s video.
