‘Brainless people’: Actress alleges poll campaign crackers caused Bandra fire

Mumbai: A fire broke out at a flat near actor Daisy Shah’s residence in Bandra on Tuesday evening, with the actor claiming that the blaze was triggered by firecrackers used during campaigning for the BMC Elections 2026. Shah shared a video of the incident on social media, calling out what she described as a complete lack of civic sense during election activities.

In her Instagram post, the actor clarified that she had no political affiliation but questioned the responsibility of political parties and campaign teams operating close to residential buildings. She said her building committee had refused permission for door-to-door campaigning, yet crackers were allegedly burst outside the premises, leading to the fire.

“This is not a natural calamity. This is what happens when people lack civic sense,” Shah wrote, demanding accountability and urging authorities to take the issue seriously. She described the incident as frightening and said witnessing the fire erupt right in front of her eyes was deeply unsettling.

According to initial reports, no injuries were reported and the fire was brought under control in time. However, the incident has sparked wider discussion online about public safety, especially during election campaigns conducted in densely populated neighbourhoods.

There has been no immediate response from any political party or civic authority regarding Shah’s allegations. The video shared by the actor has since gone viral, with several users questioning whether bursting crackers during election campaigning should be allowed near residential buildings.

With Mumbai gearing up for the BMC elections, the incident has highlighted concerns over campaign practices, fire safety norms and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent avoidable accidents in crowded urban spaces.