Congress seeks BJP apology after BMC removes Dia Mirza's Diwali video
The Congress on Tuesday demanded an apology from the BJP and action against civic officials who removed actor Dia Mirza's video promoting a pollution-free Diwali, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
The demand came after the Bombay High Court expressed strong displeasure over politicians targeting celebrities and suggested that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation restore the video. The court also reminded the parties concerned that India is a secular nation.
Mirza's video, part of the civic body's eco-friendly Diwali campaign, triggered a controversy after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to it and Mayor Ritu Tawde described the actor as "anti-Hindu". The civic body subsequently removed the clip from its social media pages.
While Mirza's video urging people to avoid noise and air pollution was removed, campaign clips featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane remained on the BMC's X and Instagram pages.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant told PTI, "If BJP leaders, including Ameet Satam, and others indulging in hate politics have even a little sense of shame, they should apologise to the country."
Sawant also demanded action against the officials responsible for deleting the video, reiterating that the move was unconstitutional and illegal.
He said the High Court had strongly reminded BJP leaders that India is a secular country and that such actions would not be tolerated. Sawant described the court's observation as a "slap" to BJP leaders.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam criticised Mirza and questioned her understanding of Sanatan Hindu traditions. He said celebrities should refrain from commenting on religions they did not know about.
"Dia Mirza is a talented artiste. If she tries to educate people about her art or the religion she belongs to, one can understand that. But what does she know about Sanatan Hindu Dharma? Diwali is not about 10 people getting together and partying. That is not what Diwali is," Kadam said.
He said Hinduism was the most tolerant religion and that its core principle was to live without inconveniencing others, care for them and not cause anyone pain.
"Celebrities and film artistes should speak about what they know. What is the need to interfere in other religions when they do not know about them? This is the question being asked by Sanatan Hindus," the MLA said.
The dispute centres on the BMC's removal of Mirza's pollution-free Diwali campaign video following objections from BJP leaders, with the Congress seeking an apology and action against civic officials after the High Court's observations.- Ends
