Controversy Erupts Over Dia Mirzas Diwali Video as Maharashtra CM Responds
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis addresses the political fallout from Dia Mirzas Diwali video removal amid public outcry.
Mumbai, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : A significant political controversy has emerged surrounding Bollywood actress Dia Mirza‘s Diwali appeal video. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis broke his silence on the issue during a media interaction on Tuesday after the video was removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Mirza, along with other celebrities like Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, participated in a BMC campaign promoting an eco-friendly, firecracker-free Diwali. The BMC shared the video on its social media channels, but it was taken down following criticism from MLA Amit Satam.
BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde distanced herself from the decision, attributing the responsibility to the social media agency and the administration.
In the midst of this political debate, the Bombay High Court raised questions about the removal of the video, asking what was wrong with celebrities advocating for environmentally friendly celebrations.
Addressing the controversy, Chief Minister Fadnavis spoke after inaugurating the Hinjawadi-Shivajinagar metro route in Pune. When asked about the video’s removal and the High Court’s remarks, he stated he did not believe the court reprimanded anyone. He suggested that the court may have simply expressed an opinion, as the matter had not been formally brought before it.
On the subject of the video’s removal, Fadnavis emphasized that the decision lay with the BMC, which has the authority to determine what content to publish or remove from its social media platforms. He noted that the BMC acted at its discretion.
Fadnavis remarked, “While Dia Mirza is a well-known and successful actress, she is not a prominent national political leader. This issue is not of our level; it is a minor matter.”
In response to the backlash over her Diwali video, Mirza questioned, “What wrong did I do by advocating for a pollution-free festival?”
The High Court expressed its displeasure regarding the removal of the video without naming anyone. The bench commented that in a secular country like India, it is unfortunate and against the principles of secularism when political leaders politicize the actions of celebrities who advocate for public welfare.
The court directed the municipal administration to re-broadcast Dia Mirza’s removed video.
