The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) decision to remove actor Dia Mirza's video from its Diwali pollution-awareness campaign has triggered a political controversy, with BJP leaders questioning her involvement and opposition parties accusing the civic body of giving in to political pressure.

The BMC had roped in Mirza, along with actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, to urge citizens to avoid firecrackers and celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali. The campaign followed a Bombay High Court directive amid concerns over rising air pollution in Mumbai.

However, Mirza's video was deleted on Sunday after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her inclusion. In a post on X, Satam said people did not need the actor to teach them how to celebrate Diwali, adding that the festival's traditions were deeply rooted in Indian culture.

Videos featuring Dixit, Wad and Rahane continue to be available on the BMC's social media accounts. The civic body has not explained why Mirza's clip was singled out.

MAYOR BACKS VIDEO REMOVAL

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde defended the decision, accusing Mirza of being opposed to Hindutva. Speaking at the BMC headquarters, Tawde cited the actor's alleged positions on the Narmada project, the Uniform Civil Code and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

She also said the BMC should not feature anyone in its campaigns without approval from the mayor's office, while adding that Mirza was free to express her views on her personal social media accounts.

Mirza, meanwhile, defended her participation, saying the video was recorded in the interest of public health and in response to the civic body's appeal and the High Court's directions.

Speaking to ANI, she said efforts to reduce air pollution should be welcomed. She also clarified that she had not charged the BMC for the campaign, expressing disappointment over the video's removal.

RANE, ATHAWALE JOIN THE DEBATE

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane criticised Mirza, alleging that Hindu festivals were selectively targeted in the name of environmental protection. He questioned whether similar concerns were raised during other religious occasions and said he would discuss the matter with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said firecrackers were an important part of Diwali celebrations but acknowledged the need to control pollution. He also cautioned against giving the controversy a communal angle, stressing that every religion had the constitutional right to celebrate its festivals.

Shinde Sena spokesperson Shaina NC also criticised Mirza's involvement, saying Diwali had a distinct cultural identity and that people were already aware of the need to limit pollution.

OPPOSITION QUESTIONS BMC'S DECISION

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar accused the BMC of succumbing to BJP pressure. She questioned whether the civic administration had become subservient to the party's Mumbai leadership.

MNS corporator Yashwant Killedar also took a swipe at Satam, arguing that Diwali could be celebrated with a lamp and lantern rather than firecrackers.

The controversy has shifted attention from the BMC's pollution-awareness drive to the political and ideological views of the celebrities involved. With the other campaign videos still online, the civic body is yet to clarify why Mirza's message was removed or whether the mayor's office had approved the original campaign.