Mumbai, Nov 3 Terming the Bombay High Court’s observations in the Dia Mirza video row a “slap” to BJP leaders, the Congress on Tuesday demanded an apology from the ruling party and action against civic officials responsible for taking down the pollution-free Diwali campaign clip.
The High Court, while hearing a public interest litigation on pollution, expressed deep displeasure over politicians targeting celebrities and suggested that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) restore Mirza’s video, reminding all parties concerned that India is a secular nation.
Mirza’s video for the civic body’s eco-friendly Diwali campaign triggered a contoversy on Monday, after the civic body selectively removed her clip from social media following Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam’s objection and Mayor Ritu Tawde’s comments labelling her as “anti-Hindu”.
While Mirza’s clip urging people to avoid noise and air pollution was removed, campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, were retained on the BMC’s X and Instagram pages.
Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said, “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.”
He also demanded action against officials responsible for deleting the video, reiterating that the move was unconstitutional and illegal.
The High Court has strongly reminded BJP leaders that India is a secular country and such actions would not be tolerated, Sawant said, and termed the court’s observation as a “slap” to saffron party leaders.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Ram Kadam launched a sharp attack on Mirza, questioning her understanding of Sanatan Hindu traditions, saying celebrities should refrain from commenting on religions about which they lack knowledge.
“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 that Hinduism is the most tolerant religion, and its core principle is to live without causing inconvenience to others, to care for others and not inflict pain on anyone.
“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.
(PTI News)
