Dia Mirza Video Row: Mumbai Mayor Calls Actor “Anti-Hindu”

• BMC removes Dia Mirza’s anti-firecracker appeal after BJP objection.
• Mayor Ritu Tawde calls the actor “anti-Hindu” and “anti-government”.
• Similar appeals by other celebrities remain on BMC social media accounts.
• Union Minister Ramdas Athawale says the issue should not be linked to religion.

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 2nd Nov: The Dia Mirza video row intensified on Monday after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde accused the actor of taking an “anti-Hindu” and “anti-government” stand, following the removal of her anti-firecracker appeal from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) social media accounts.

The civic body had commissioned the video as part of its campaign urging people to avoid bursting firecrackers during festivals. It was taken down after BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam objected to Mirza’s participation, saying the city did not need lessons from her on celebrating Diwali.

However, similar appeals featuring other celebrities, including Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and Marathi actor Nishigandha Wad, continued to remain online.

Tawde maintained that the decision had nothing to do with Mirza’s religion. She said the actor had repeatedly taken positions that she considered opposed to Hindu interests and the government.

“Dia Mirza does selective propaganda,” Tawde said, adding that while the actor could express herself on her personal social media accounts, she would not be allowed to do so through the BMC’s official handle. The Mayor also said she would seek to have Mirza blacklisted by the Mahayuti government.

The Mayor described the episode as a “miscommunication from the administration”. She said the BMC administration had not consulted the elected leadership before posting or removing the video.

Tawde said she would discuss the matter with the BMC Commissioner and seek to ensure that the civic body’s public relations department consulted the Mayor’s office before releasing such proposals in the future.

The BMC had roped in several celebrities for its anti-firecracker campaign after the Bombay High Court criticised the civic body over rising air pollution and its failure to regulate firecracker use during festivals.

Tawde acknowledged that the campaign had been undertaken in response to the High Court’s instructions, but said her objection was directed at those she believed opposed Hindutva.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also commented on the controversy, saying the issue should not be linked to any particular religious community. He noted that the Constitution, framed under the leadership of Dr BR Ambedkar, guarantees people the right to celebrate their festivals.