Political Storm: Dia Mirza's Diwali Appeal Sparks Fresh Political Clash

The controversy over actress Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali message has intensified after the actress questioned why her video was removed from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) social media accounts. Dia said the video had been recorded at the request of the Bombay High Court and the BMC as part of a public awareness initiative. In the message, she urged people to celebrate Diwali with happiness rather than noise and remain mindful of the harmful effects of firecrackers on air quality and health. The dispute began after Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam criticised her appeal. BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde reportedly questioned why the video had been posted without her consent and raised the possibility of blacklisting Dia. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan alleged selective targeting, pointing out that videos featuring Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remained online. Meanwhile, BJP leaders, including Nitesh Rane, and Shiv Sena representatives criticised Dia's message, with some accusing her of selectively commenting on Hindu festivals. The issue has now turned into a political confrontation, with questions continuing over why Dia's video was removed while the other celebrity messages remain available.