Dia Mirza’s Diwali video deleted, restored by court: Why is Congress demanding a BJP apology?

Mumbai: A campaign promoting a pollution-free Diwali has turned into a political dispute in Maharashtra after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed actor Dia Mirza’s video from its social media accounts.

The video was part of the civic body's awareness campaign encouraging people to celebrate Diwali responsibly and reduce air and noise pollution. However, Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to Mirza's participation, following which the BMC took down her video. Messages featuring other celebrities in the same campaign continued to remain online.

The issue reached the Bombay High Court, which expressed displeasure over the political comments directed at the actor and asked the BMC to re-upload the video.

Following the court's observations, the Congress demanded an apology from the BJP and action against the officials who removed the clip.

How did Dia Mirza’s Diwali video controversy begin?

Ahead of Diwali, the BMC launched a campaign to encourage residents to celebrate the festival while keeping pollution under control. The initiative featured videos by actors Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, along with cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.

In her message, Mirza spoke about the environmental impact of firecrackers and urged people to avoid activities that contribute to air and noise pollution.

Her participation, however, drew objections from Satam. The Mumbai BJP chief questioned why the actor was advising people on how to celebrate Diwali and said the city's traditions were deeply rooted in its culture.

After his objection, the BMC removed Mirza's video. The clips featuring the other campaign participants remained available on its social media pages, raising questions about why only her message had been taken down.

What did the Bombay High Court say?

The Bombay High Court expressed concern over the remarks made by politicians against celebrities who had participated in the BMC's public awareness campaign.

A bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Dr Neela Gokhale said the initiative was intended to create awareness about the harmful effects of firecrackers and promote togetherness.

The court observed that there was no room for factionalism in a campaign undertaken for a public cause. It also reminded the parties concerned that India is a secular nation.

The bench directed the BMC to re-upload Mirza's video on its social media platforms.

Congress demands BJP apology

The Congress criticised the removal of the video and demanded an apology from the BJP.

Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said BJP leaders, including Ameet Satam, should apologise for targeting the actor. He also demanded action against the civic officials responsible for deleting the video.

Sawant described the decision as unconstitutional and illegal. He said the High Court's observations had highlighted the importance of respecting India's secular principles.

Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad also supported Mirza, accusing the BJP of politicising a campaign that focused on making the city pollution-free.

What did Devendra Fadnavis say?

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis played down the controversy, describing it as a relatively small issue.

Reacting to the High Court's direction, he said the decision to retain or remove content from the BMC's social media accounts rested with the officials managing those platforms.

Fadnavis said the video had been removed at the civic body's discretion. He also suggested that the issue was not significant enough to require his attention.

BJP leaders criticise Dia Mirza

BJP MLA Ram Kadam also criticised Mirza and questioned her understanding of Sanatan Hindu traditions. He argued that celebrities should speak about subjects they know and avoid commenting on religious practices they do not understand.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale had also objected to the actor's participation in the campaign. He said the Constitution gives every religion the right to celebrate its festivals and argued that public figures should avoid comments that could be interpreted as targeting religious traditions.

Mirza, meanwhile, maintained that efforts to reduce pollution should be welcomed as a public health concern.