Mumbai, November 2: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane on Monday criticised actor Dia Mirza over her participation in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) eco-friendly Diwali campaign, alleging that Hindu festivals were being disproportionately targeted under the pretext of environmental protection.

The controversy erupted after Mirza's video promoting pollution-free Diwali celebrations was removed from the civic body's social media platforms following objections raised by BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam.

Although Mirza's video was taken down on Sunday, other campaign videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, along with cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, continued to remain available on the BMC's official X and Instagram accounts.