India, Nov. 9 -- The latest instance of religion becoming toxic is the removal of actor Dia Mirza's cracker-free Diwali video by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), following intense political backlash and objections from BJP leaders, who labelled her "anti-Hindu" and questioned her selective environmental activism. The video was part of an official BMC public awareness campaign initiated in response to a Bombay High Court directive to address rising air and noise pollution. Several celebrities had voluntarily recorded appeals for an environmentally friendly celebration of the festival.

Mumbai BJP Chief Ameet Satam posted sharp criticism on X, saying citizens did not need "lessons on how to celebrate Diwali" from Dia Mirza. Wi...