And Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who has opened a front of sorts against the actor, has taken issue with her participation. Actor Dia Mirza, whose video against bursting firecrackers on Diwali was taken down by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation at the insistence of BJP leaders, had attended a BMC event on June 5.
Upset with Mirza’s participation, Tawde has vowed she will seek an explanation from the BMC commissioner regarding the invitation to the actor. “It is not to do with any religion. She has always taken an anti-Hindu and anti-government stand. That is why we oppose her, not her religion. “Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration.
We believe in secularism,” Tawde said. She said that it was for the BMC to explain why her video was posted and later taken down. “I will make sure and discuss it with the BMC Commissioner that this does not happen again; also, henceforth the public relations department should put these proposals with us too,” she said. Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all,” she said in a statement.
