Maharashtra CM Defends BMC's Control Over Social Media Content
In response to the controversy surrounding Dia Mirza's Diwali video, CM Fadnavis asserts BMC's authority to manage its social media.
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis supports BMC's decision on social media content.
The Bombay High Court has ordered the re-upload of Dia Mirza's firecracker awareness video.
The BMC removed Mirza's video after objections from political leaders.
On November 3, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis addressed the ongoing controversy regarding the removal of Bollywood actress Dia Mirza's Diwali firecracker awareness video. He stated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) holds the authority to determine what content remains or is removed from its social media platforms. This statement followed a directive from the Bombay High Court, which instructed the BMC to restore the video that urged citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers in public areas during the Diwali celebrations.
Fadnavis emphasized that the issue is minor and noted that while the High Court may have shared its views, the matter had not formally reached the court. He explained that the decision to delete the video was made by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, asserting that the entity managing the social media accounts has the right to curate its content. He remarked, "Dia Mirza may be a good actress, but she is not a major political figure in the country. Anyway, I feel these issues are not at my level."
The controversy began when the BMC included Mirza in a public awareness initiative aimed at promoting an eco-friendly and pollution-free Diwali, in light of concerns regarding air quality in Mumbai. This campaign was launched following a directive from the Bombay High Court addressing air pollution issues in the city. The initiative featured video messages from various public figures, including Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
However, after receiving objections from several senior political leaders and social media users, the BMC decided to remove Mirza's video while keeping the content featuring other celebrities intact. This decision sparked further debate about the role of public figures in environmental campaigns and the influence of political opinions on social media content.
Looking ahead, the BMC is expected to comply with the High Court's order to re-upload Mirza's video. This incident raises questions about the balance between political influence and public awareness campaigns, particularly in the context of environmental issues. The BMC's next steps will be closely monitored as they navigate the implications of this controversy.
