Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 2 (ANI): Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Monday criticised Bollywood actress Dia Mirza over her participation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) campaign advocating for a pollution-free Diwali, stating that individuals should refrain from making comments that target religious traditions.
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai regarding the growing controversy surrounding Mirza’s campaign against firecrackers, Athawale emphasised that India's Constitution guarantees freedom of celebration for all religions and urged public figures to avoid getting involved in politically sensitive cultural issues.
"Babasaheb Ambedkar's Constitution gives every religion the right to celebrate its festivals. There is a tradition of bursting firecrackers during Diwali... Similarly, during Eid and Ramzan, people from different communities participate in each other's celebrations," Athawale said.
"I don't think her tweet was appropriate. She should not have got involved in politics. She should focus on her acting, and it is not right to post such tweets against any religion,” he added.
The controversy erupted after the BMC featured Dia Mirza in a public awareness campaign encouraging citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly and pollution-free Diwali amid concerns over Mumbai's air quality.
The campaign was launched following a directive from the Bombay High Court concerning air pollution in the city. It featured video messages from several public figures, including Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
However, after objections from some senior political leaders and social media users, the BMC removed Mirza's video from its social media platforms while retaining the messages featuring the other celebrities.
Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to the BMC featuring the actress in its campaign. Taking to X, he wrote, “We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”
@mybmc We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.
— Ameet Satam (@AmeetSatam) November 1, 2026
Responding to the criticism, Dia Mirza told ANI, “Why should anyone be critical of a video that the Honourable Bombay High Court and BMC have made me record in public interest? Air Pollution is an area of concern, and all efforts to reduce pollution should be welcomed because it's a matter of public health…”
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde subsequently criticised Mirza's views and said the actress would not be included in future programmes or featured on official BMC platforms.
“We will not include her in any program, certainly not on the official BMC portal. She cannot join in any other event organised by us, given that she trolls our PM Narendra Modi... As the Mayor- and representing the Bharatiya Janata Party- our position is clear: we will not allow anyone who opposes Hindutva to appear on the official BMC portal,” Tawde said.
She added, “Mumbai is a city that embraces all castes, religions, and sects, and I work for everyone. Our agenda is rooted in Hindutva. If anyone speaks against Hindutva- regardless of their caste, religion, or sect- they will be met with a firm response.”
Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane also joined the criticism, questioning Mirza's comments on Diwali and the absence of similar appeals concerning other religious occasions.
“Dia Mirza has tweeted about Diwali, but she never tweets or offers such advice during Eid, Muharram or Bakri Eid. They only talk about an environment-friendly Holi. They should also speak about an environment-friendly Ramzan and Bakri Eid. People like her are against the Sanatan Hindu religion. I will discuss this issue with the CM and focus on preventing such matters in the future,” Rane said. (ANI)
