Mumbai Mayor Criticizes Dia Mirzas Pollution-Free Diwali Video

Mumbai, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Mumbai’s Mayor Ritu Tawde has taken aim at Bollywood actress Dia Mirza, criticizing her recent video promoting a pollution-free Diwali. Tawde accused Mirza of consistently opposing Hindu values and those associated with them.

In a conversation with reporters, Tawde stated, “We do not need to be taught how to celebrate Diwali by Dia Mirza.” She alleged that Mirza has pursued a selective agenda, opposing various issues, including the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). Tawde emphasized that Mirza’s stance appears to be against Hinduism and those who support it.

The Mayor pointed out that the actress has voiced objections to environmental issues that the local government is addressing, as well as to statements made by Prime Minister Modi. Tawde expressed concern that Mirza’s role in the pollution-free Diwali campaign was not communicated to her as Mayor.

While acknowledging a High Court directive encouraging celebrities to promote a firecracker-free Diwali due to rising air pollution levels, she insisted that the administration should have informed her about the selection of artists for the campaign. “Every important decision should be communicated to the elected representatives,” Tawde asserted.

In light of Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam’s objections to Mirza’s involvement, the BMC has since removed her video from the pollution-free Diwali campaign. This incident has sparked political controversy.

In response, Dia Mirza stated that Diwali symbolizes the victory of good over evil and should be celebrated in a healthy and responsible manner. She emphasized that her video aimed to raise awareness about celebrating the festival in a more responsible way, noting that air pollution is a public health issue that requires collective action for a better environment.