'Selective Outrage': Waris Pathan Slams Back Over Dia Mirza's Diwali Pollution Row
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan slams 'selective outrage' after Dia Mirza faced backlash for a BMC pollution-free Diwali campaign.
The debate over celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali has sparked a fierce political battle in Maharashtra. AIMIM leader Waris Pathan has come out in strong defense of actress and social activist Dia Mirza, questioning the "selective outrage" and "hypocrisy" of those criticizing her for participating in a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) campaign to reduce pollution during the festival.
The Spark of Controversy
The row began when the BMC launched a public awareness campaign urging Mumbai residents to celebrate a pollution-free Diwali. The campaign featured several high-profile figures, including Dia Mirza, actress Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, all encouraging the public to limit the use of firecrackers to protect the environment and public health.
However, the initiative faced immediate backlash from political quarters. Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam took to X (formerly Twitter) to object to Mirza's inclusion, stating that the city does not need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali from her and asserting that the traditions are deeply rooted in Indian culture. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also joined in the criticism.
Waris Pathan Calls Out 'Duplicity'
Responding to the backlash, AIMIM leader Waris Pathan argued that the criticism is baseless and biased. He pointed out that the campaign was not an attack on tradition but a reflection of legal directives.
"The Bombay High Court issued a directive addressing the issues of noise pollution and health hazards associated with the upcoming Diwali festival in Mumbai. The court directed that firecrackers should not be burst in lanes, on public roads, or on footpaths," Pathan stated.
He emphasized that Dia Mirza and other celebrities were simply echoing the court's guidelines to prevent health hazards and noise pollution. Pathan questioned why the outrage was specifically targeted, asking, "Isn't this hypocrisy? Isn't this duplicity? If you really had to speak up, you could have spoken about others too."
Political Divide: Environment vs. Tradition
The controversy has split political lines, with the Maharashtra Congress also stepping in to support the actress. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil slammed the BJP, questioning why a plea for environmental protection was being treated as a controversy.
Patil criticized the government's priorities, suggesting that the BJP should focus on the severe drought and floods affecting various regions of Maharashtra rather than targeting an individual for speaking about the environment. He further alleged that whenever someone raises their voice against the cutting of lakhs of trees, it is unfairly labeled as an attack on religion.
On the other side of the spectrum, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale criticized Dia Mirza's involvement, arguing that her comments were inappropriate. Athawale maintained that bursting firecrackers is a longstanding Diwali tradition protected by the religious freedom guaranteed by the Constitution. He suggested that Mirza should focus on her acting career and avoid getting involved in politics or posting tweets that could be perceived as being against any religion.
BMC's Reaction
Amidst the escalating tension and political pressure, the BMC took the step of removing Dia Mirza's video from its social media platforms. Interestingly, the messages featuring other celebrities, such as Madhuri Dixit and Ajinkya Rahane, remained on the platforms.