Diwali Pollution Appeal Turns Into Political Controversy

Mumbai, November 2: A civic appeal for a pollution-free Diwali in Mumbai has become a flashpoint in political debate after actress Diya Mirza's video message drew criticism from several leaders.

The row started when Mumbai BJP president Amit Satam expressed objections to the actress's Diwali message. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation later removed her video from its social media account.

Since then, Union Minister of State Ramdas Athawale, BJP leader Shrikant Bharatiya and BJP MLA Sanjay Upadhyay have also come out with statements on the issue.

Athawale said he was unhappy with Diya Mirza's comments. He stated that she belongs to another religion and is not fully aware of the festival's traditions. He emphasised that the Constitution grants every religious group the right to celebrate its festivals. He said Diwali without firecrackers is not meaningful, but added that pollution must be kept in check. Guidelines have already been issued, he said, and some crackers can be burst under them. Athawale called the actress's statement wrong and warned that it could hurt the sentiments of Hindus. He also said he opposed her remarks.

Bharatiya urged Diya Mirza to do some self-reflection before advising others on how to celebrate Diwali. He insisted his party does not oppose any religion but said the actress should talk about the festivals and traditions of her own faith. He pointed out that Hindu society has been concerned about the environment for centuries and that people know which crackers to use and how to observe Diwali. In his words, there is no need for the public to learn from Diya Mirza.

Upadhyay took the debate further by connecting it to other Hindu festivals. He alleged that Diya Mirza objects to Diwali crackers and that some Bollywood figures and so-called intellectuals raise issues during every Hindu festival. He referred to questions over water use in Holi, safety during Dahi Handi, noise during Navratri and plaster of Paris idols during Ganeshotsav. He added that bombs and shells in the Russia-Ukraine war and in tensions involving Iran, the US and Israel are causing massive destruction and pollution, and asked why such environmental harm is not discussed as much. According to him, pollution from bombs and shells is far greater than the local pollution caused by Diwali firecrackers.

Shiv Sena national spokesperson Shaina NC responded by saying that Diya Mirza's name includes 'Diya' and that she should understand Diwali is known as the festival of light. She said every citizen knows the need to be cautious about pollution and that crackers should not be burst so people can stay safe, as health and life come first.

The BMC had begun its awareness drive after air pollution rose in Mumbai. Acting on Bombay High Court directions, the civic body asked residents to avoid firecrackers and celebrate with the environment in mind. For the campaign, it recorded video messages from prominent personalities, including Diya Mirza, Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. Those videos asked people to cut down on firecrackers and avoid noise and air pollution.