Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Nov 2: The BJP-controlled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has selectively pulled down a civic video campaign for eco-friendly Diwali celebrations by noted Bollywood actor Dia Mirza from its social media handles, even as the Mumbai mayor Ritu Tawde claimed the move was not because of the actress’ religion.
Ms Mirza’s clip urging people to avoid noise and air pollution while celebrating Diwali was removed following objections from the BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam, similar campaign videos featuring actor Madhuri Dixit, famous Marathi actor Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, have been retained on the BMC’s X and Instagram pages. The video was dropped by the civic body without any official explanation.
The Dia Mirza clip was removed within hours of Mr Satam post on X, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture,” tagging the BMC’s official account. Within hours of his comment, the civic body led by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide removed Ms Mirza’s video from its social media pages, though originally the video was commissioned by the BMC.
Strongly attacking the actress, Ms Tawde called the 44.year old actor, among other things, “anti-Hindutva” and maintained the move to pull down the appeal video was not linked to the actor’s religion. “It is not to do with any religion. She has always taken an anti-Hindu and anti-government stand. That is the reason for opposing her, not her religion. We believe in secularism,” Tawde said.
“Dia Mirza does selective propaganda, we have seen in the past. She can post whatever she wants on her personal handle but will not be allowed to do so on BMC handle. We will make sure she is blacklisted in our Mahayuti government,” Tawde said. The Mayor said the situation was a result of a “miscommunication from the administration”.
When asked why the video was taken down, Tawde pointed to the civic body for answers. “Why it was posted and later removed all these answers you will get from BMC administration. The BMC administration had not consulted us,” Tawde said. “I will make sure and discuss it with BMC Commissioner that this doesn’t happen again, also henceforth the public relation department should put these proposal with us too,” she said.
The BMC had roped in several celebrities for a campaign against firecrackers after the Bombay High Court pulled up the civic body over rising air pollution and its failure to regulate the bursting of crackers during festivals.
“I know this was done as per the High Court’s instructions and also as a woman I have always supported women, I am here to serve Mumbai but one should understand that I stand against those who opposed Hindutva,” Tawde said. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said while Dia Mirza belonged to the Muslim community, the issue was not related to any particular religion.
Dia Mirza had attended a BMC event on the World Environment Day held at the civic body’s headquarters in Mumbai on June 5 where BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and several BJP officials were also present. Ms Tawde had made it an issue then also. Upset with Mirza’s participation, Tawde had vowed she will seek an explanation from the BMC commissioner regarding the invitation to the actor.
Mirza reacted to the controversy, saying that the video was recorded for public awareness regarding “mindful celebration.” “Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration. Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all,” she said in a statement.