Mumbai: A political controversy has erupted after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed an anti-firecracker awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its official social media platforms. The video was part of the civic body’s public awareness campaign encouraging citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers during Diwali in view of rising air pollution. While similar awareness videos featuring celebrities such as Madhuri Dixit, Ajinkya Rahane, and Nishigandha Wad continue to remain online, Dia Mirza’s video was taken down following objections raised by BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam, who questioned the choice of the actor for the campaign.

Reacting to the controversy, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde said the decision had nothing to do with Dia Mirza’s religion but was linked to what she described as the actor’s past “anti-Hindu” and “anti-government” positions. She alleged that Dia Mirza had selectively expressed opinions on public issues and stated that such messages should not be promoted through official BMC platforms. The Mayor also said the civic administration had not consulted elected representatives before releasing the campaign and indicated that she would discuss the matter with the BMC Commissioner to ensure that similar decisions undergo proper review in the future. The BMC, however, has not issued an official explanation for removing the video.

The awareness campaign was launched after the Bombay High Court expressed concern over increasing air pollution and directed civic authorities to take steps to discourage excessive firecracker use during festivals. Commenting on the controversy, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the issue should not be viewed through a religious lens, adding that every citizen has the constitutional right to celebrate festivals while also respecting environmental concerns. The removal of the video has since triggered political debate, with questions being raised over the role of public institutions in awareness campaigns and the criteria used for selecting or removing public figures from official government initiatives.