Mumbai, Nov 3 Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Mumbai civic body’s Leader of Opposition Kishori Pednekar on Tuesday demanded an inquiry into the removal of an awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza from the BMC’s social media platforms following objections by BJP leaders.
In a letter to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, Pednekar sought that the responsibility of officials involved in the decision-making process be fixed.
The Bombay High Court earlier in the day directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to re-upload the deleted video, noting that the Constitution expects all citizens to foster a secular spirit.
Terming the removal of the video unfortunate, Pednekar, a former Mayor, alleged that the civic administration bowed to political pressure despite its responsibility to create awareness about environmental protection, pollution control and public health.
“The issue is not merely the removal of Dia Mirza’s video, but whether political pressure is being given precedence over court directives, environmental protection and citizens’ health,” she said.
Pednekar also sought details of the action taken within 15 days.
She also called for a clear policy to prevent political interference in awareness campaigns related to environmental protection and court directives.
The BMC should undertake a comprehensive, science-based awareness campaign on air and noise pollution and the environmental impact of firecrackers, covering citizens of all communities equally, she said.
Pednekar also questioned why Mirza’s photograph and environmental message were removed when the civic body itself had put up hoardings urging people to avoid firecrackers and celebrate with lights.
The BMC earlier selectively removed Mirza’s video from social media following Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam’s objection and mayor Ritu Tawde’s comments labelling her “anti-Hindu”.
While her video urging people to avoid noise and air pollution was pulled, campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, remained on the BMC’s X and Instagram handles.
(PTI News)
