States » West


Maha: BMC pulls down actor Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali video after BJP objection, triggering political row

Mumbai, Nov 2 (UNi) A political row erupted in Mumbai on Monday after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) selectively pulled down an awareness video featuring Bollywood actor Dia Mirza from its social media platforms following strong objections raised by Mumbai BJP President and MLA Ameet Satam.
The deleted clip was part of the civic body’s public outreach drive urging citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers to curb noise and air pollution during Diwali, in line with directives issued by the Bombay High Court.
Taking exception to the video, Satam posted on X (formerly Twitter) tagging the BMC, stating: "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from Dia Mirza. Our traditions and culture are deeply rooted in us." Shortly after the post, the civic administration removed the video without issuing an official statement or clarification.
Campaign videos featuring other celebrities—including actors Madhuri Dixit, Mahesh Kothari, Subodh Bhave, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane—continue to remain active on the BMC's official social media handles.
Reacting sharply to the removal of her voluntary message, Dia Mirza expressed her disappointment on social media. "Haven't taken any money, doing good work has no value anymore!" she wrote, clarifying that her participation in the civic body's public health campaign was entirely pro bono.
The incident drew swift backlash from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT). Former Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar accused the BJP of administrative high-handedness and selective targeting based on personal and religious biases.
"Why was only Dia Mirza's video targeted while others remain on the page? Is the BMC administration acting out of fear over a single political warning?" Pednekar asked, alleging that external political influence was dictating civic governance in the absence of an elected municipal corporation.
With civic body elections approaching, the controversy over the environmental campaign has opened a fresh flashpoint between the ruling BJP and the Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai. UNI NEP NST
More News

Maha: IAC chief praises Modi govt's efforts to keep fuel prices stable amid global uncertainty

03 Nov 2026 | 2:34 AM

Pune, Nov 2 (UNI) The Centre's efforts to maintain fuel price stability amid global uncertainties by modifying the windfall tax on fuel exports are commendable, Hemant Patil, national president of India Against Corruption and an RTI activist, said today.

see more..

Maha: Shiv Sena MLA Thorve challenges NCP's Sunil Tatkare to quit govt before opposing Torrent project

03 Nov 2026 | 1:59 AM

Raigad, Nov 2 (UNI) Shiv Sena MLA Mahendra Thorve has challenged NCP state president and MP Sunil Tatkare, saying that if the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) wants to oppose the proposed Torrent Power project through its Raigad district president Sudhakar Ghare, it should first withdraw from the ruling government.

see more..

Maha: Kolhapur Circuit Bench directs to convene meeting on Nov 10 to elect new chairman of Gokul Milk Coop

03 Nov 2026 | 12:34 AM

Kolhapur, Nov 2 (UNI) The Kolhapur Circuit Bench of Bombay High Court today ordered election officials to call a meeting of Kolhapur Milk Producers Cooperative Sangh (Association), makers of popular 'Gokul' milk brand, on November 10, to elect new chairman.

see more..

Maharashtra FDA Minister stays Mundhe’s order cancelling Pune chemical firm’s licence

02 Nov 2026 | 11:42 PM

Mumbai, Nov 2 (UNI) The administrative and political landscape of Maharashtra was thrown into turmoil on Monday after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Minister Narhari Zirwal stayed a punitive order issued by high-profile IAS officer and FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe against a prominent chemical company in Pune's Ranjangaon.

see more..

Maha: BMC pulls down actor Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Diwali video after BJP objection, triggering political row

02 Nov 2026 | 11:38 PM

Mumbai, Nov 2 (UNi) A political row erupted in Mumbai on Monday after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) selectively pulled down an awareness video featuring Bollywood actor Dia Mirza from its social media platforms following strong objections raised by Mumbai BJP President and MLA Ameet Satam. .

see more..