AIMIM Spokesperson Criticizes BJP for Targeting Dia Mirza Over Diwali Fireworks Appeal
AIMIMs Waris Pathan defends Dia Mirza, accusing BJP of double standards in response to her Diwali pollution-free appeal.
Mumbai, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Waris Pathan, the national spokesperson for AIMIM, has criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for targeting actress Dia Mirza regarding her appeal for a pollution-free Diwali. This statement comes amid the Bombay High Court‘s guidelines on the use of fireworks during the festival. Pathan highlighted the hypocrisy of the BJP after a party leader objected to Mirza’s video, questioning why she was singled out when other celebrities made similar appeals.
In an interview, Pathan noted that the Bombay High Court had advised against the use of fireworks on streets and sidewalks in Mumbai, citing concerns over noise and air pollution, as well as health impacts. Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide emphasized the importance of adhering to these directives.
Pathan explained that the municipal corporation had reached out to several celebrities to raise awareness about the guidelines. Alongside Mirza, actress Madhuri Dixit and former cricketer Ajinkya Rahane also conveyed similar messages urging people to celebrate responsibly. Mirza’s appeal highlighted the right to celebrate Diwali while also addressing the pollution and health risks associated with fireworks.
Pathan pointed out that Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam had specifically targeted Mirza on social media, questioning why other celebrities like Dixit and Rahane were not criticized for their messages. He argued that if the BJP had objections to these appeals, they should apply the same standards to all public figures. He claimed that Mirza was being targeted due to her Muslim identity.
The AIMIM spokesperson also raised concerns about the removal of the videos made under the municipal commissioner’s directives, questioning why there was controversy surrounding a campaign intended to comply with the High Court’s guidelines.
Pathan criticized the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on this issue, asserting that while everyone has the right to celebrate Diwali, it is unfair to target only a Muslim actress during the festivities.
