BMC pulls Dia Mirza video from pollution-free Diwali campaign after BJP chief's objection

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) deleted a video that included actor Dia Mirza as part of its pollution-free Diwali campaign following criticism from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam. The campaign, launched after a Bombay High Court directive, urged residents to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environmentally friendly festival. Celebrities such as Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also recorded messages for the initiative.

Satam posted on X that the city did not need “lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza,” arguing that the tradition is rooted in local culture. After the post, the BMC removed the video from its social-media channels but did not provide an official explanation.

Shaina NC, spokesperson for the Shinde Sena, told PTI that Diwali is “the festival of lights” and suggested that Mirza should understand its cultural significance, adding that the campaign was not promoting firecracker use but called for self-reflection among residents.

Social-media reactions were mixed. Some users questioned the removal, while others praised Satam’s comments. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between civic outreach efforts and political commentary in Mumbai.