'We don’t need lessons': Dia Mirza's Diwali video removed from BMC's page after Mumbai BJP chief's objection

Dia Mirza, a well‑known film star and environmental activist, recorded a short video to mark the Diwali festival and shared wishes for a safe and prosperous celebration. The clip was posted on the BMC’s official page as part of a broader effort to engage citizens with festive greetings and public service reminders. In the video, Mirza spoke about the importance of lighting responsibly and respecting community harmony during the holiday, aligning with the municipal authority’s push for safer celebrations.

Shortly after the video went live, the chief of the Mumbai unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party expressed concerns that the content did not reflect the party’s stance on certain cultural issues. The BJP chief requested that the BMC remove the video, arguing that it could be misinterpreted or used for political gain. Responding to the complaint, BMC officials took down the clip from their website, citing the need to maintain neutrality in public communications. No official statement from Dia Mirza was released, and the removal sparked debate on social media about the role of public figures in civic campaigns.

The episode underscores the delicate balance that municipal bodies must maintain when partnering with celebrities for outreach. In Maharashtra, where political affiliations often influence public messaging, the incident serves as a reminder that any collaboration with high‑profile personalities can attract scrutiny. For readers, the story illustrates how cultural celebrations, political dynamics, and media strategies intersect, affecting how information is shared with the public during important festivals.