Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Monday defended the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's decision to take down a video featuring actor Dia Mirza celebrating a pollution-free Diwali.
Tawde insisted she be consulted before celebrities are roped in for future civic campaigns, saying she was unaware that Mirza had been associated with the initiative. The mayor hit out at the actor, stating Hindus are well aware of how to celebrate Diwali and do not need Mirza to "teach them." "Regarding how Hindus should celebrate Diwali—we certainly do not need Dia Mirza to teach us. We know how to celebrate our own Diwali," Tawde said.
Tawde accused the actor of opposing the government's efforts to address the environmental crisis. "She has even opposed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consistently, her opposition appears to be directed against Hindutva," he said.
Was unaware of Mirza's association with campaign: Mayor Ritu Tawde said she was unaware that Mirza had been associated with the campaign and would take up the matter with the civic administration. "Those who oppose Hindutva, we will oppose them. Henceforth, the BMC should not make any public statement without my approval," she said.
She added that while Mirza was free to express her views on her personal social media accounts, any content put out through the BMC's official handles should have the ruling party's approval.
Even as Tawde slammed the actor, deputy mayor Sanjay Ghadi defended Mirza's appeal against bursting firecrackers. He said the actor had done nothing wrong by urging citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers and saw no reason for her message to be removed.
Dia Mirza spoke to HT and said the video was recorded as part of the Bombay High Court's recent appeal to celebrities.
The exchange highlights tensions between municipal authorities and celebrity advocates on environmental messaging, with the BMC requiring alignment with the ruling party's stance on official communications.
