Mumbai, Nov 2: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday hit out at actor Dia Mirza over her video for the BMC’s eco-friendly Diwali campaign, alleging that Hindu festivals were being selectively targeted in the name of environmental protection.
Mirza’s video advocating for pollution-free festivities has sparked controversy after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed her clip from its social media handles following objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam.
While Mirza’s clip was removed on Sunday, campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, have been retained on the BMC’s X and Instagram pages.
Speaking to reporters, Rane questioned whether celebrations of Hindu festivals of Diwali and Holi alone caused environmental damage, and claimed that similar concerns were not raised during other religious occasions.
“No concerns are raised when animals are harmed during Muharram or Eid. During Ramzan, filth is spread everywhere, but nobody says anything. They only find Hindu festivals to lecture us about environmental protection,” he remarked.
The BJP minister also said he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis if the BMC is encouraging people like Mirza to make such suggestions.
The civic body took down Mirza’s clip hours after Mumbai BJP chief Satam objected to it in a post on X, tagging the BMC’s official account.
“We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture,” the BJP leader wrote.
The BMC’s post accompanying Mirza’s video stated that in accordance with the Bombay High Court’s directives, bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths was strictly prohibited.
Union Minister Athawale said that Diwali celebrations would lose their significance without firecrackers, while stressing that pollution should also be avoided.
“There will be no meaning to Diwali if people do not burst firecrackers. There should not be any pollution. It was inappropriate for Dia Mirza to issue such statements and hurt the sentiments of Hindus,” he told reporters. (PTI)
