CM Fadnavis Downplays Dia Mirza Video Row
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis labels the Dia Mirza video controversy a 'very small issue,' asserting BMC's authority over its social media content.
The Cliff News | 3 November 2026
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has characterized the recent controversy surrounding the removal of actor Dia Mirza's Diwali firecracker awareness video as a "very small issue." He emphasized that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) holds the ultimate authority to determine the content published on its social media platforms.
These statements follow a directive from the Bombay High Court, which instructed the civic body to reinstate the video. The removed video featured Mirza urging citizens against setting off firecrackers on public streets during Diwali, a campaign initiated due to concerns over Mumbai's air quality.
Court Directs BMC to Re-upload Video
The Bombay High Court previously expressed its disapproval of remarks made by certain political figures concerning the Dia Mirza video and its deletion. The court subsequently ordered the BMC to re-upload the awareness appeal to its social media channels.
During the court proceedings, a bench presided over by Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale voiced its displeasure regarding comments targeting the actor and her involvement in the public awareness initiative.
CM Fadnavis Affirms BMC's Autonomy
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Chief Minister Fadnavis stated, "This is a very small issue. I believe the high court may have expressed its opinion, but the matter has not even gone to the high court." He reiterated that the decision to remove the video was made by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
"The authority that manages the social media handle has the right to decide what content should be retained and what should be removed," Fadnavis added. He further remarked, "Dia Mirza may be a good actress, but she is not a major political figure in the country. Anyway, I feel these issues are not at my level."
Background of the Controversy
The dispute began when the BMC engaged Dia Mirza, along with other public figures including Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, for an eco-friendly Diwali campaign. This initiative was launched following a Bombay High Court directive concerning urban air pollution.
However, after receiving objections from some senior political leaders and social media users, the BMC opted to remove Mirza's video. The videos featuring other celebrities were reportedly retained on the civic body's social media platforms.