BMC Removes Dia Mirza's Eco-Friendly Diwali Video Amid Controversy
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has taken down a video by Dia Mirza promoting a pollution-free Diwali following objections from a BJP leader.
BMC removed Dia Mirza's video after BJP's Ameet Satam raised objections.
The removal occurred shortly after Satam's post criticizing the video.
Other campaign videos featuring different celebrities remain available.
In a recent development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed a video message by actress Dia Mirza that advocated for an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision was made following objections raised by Ameet Satam, the Mumbai chief of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The video, which urged viewers to celebrate Diwali without contributing to noise and air pollution, was taken down on November 1, 2026, just hours after Satam's criticism on social media.
The controversy began when Satam tagged the BMC's official account in a post on X, expressing his discontent with Mirza's message. He stated, "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture." This comment prompted a swift response from the civic body, led by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, resulting in the video’s removal from the BMC's social media platforms.
Interestingly, while Mirza's video was taken down, other promotional videos featuring well-known personalities such as Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remain accessible on the BMC's X and Instagram pages. This selective removal has raised questions regarding the criteria used by the BMC for content moderation and the influence of political objections on civic campaigns.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate controversy, as it highlights the ongoing tensions between civic initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and the political landscape in Mumbai. The decision to remove the video may discourage similar eco-friendly campaigns in the future, particularly if they face political backlash.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how the BMC will address public concerns regarding transparency and fairness in its social media policies. Additionally, the response from environmental advocates and the public may influence the BMC's approach to future campaigns, especially as the Diwali festival approaches.
