AIMIM Corporator Sahar Shaikh's Statement on Painting Mumbra Green Sparks Police Action

AIMIM corporator Sahar Shaikh faces police action for her statement about painting Mumbra green. The remark has drawn complaints alleging it incites communal tension.

AIMIM's newly-elected corporator, Sahar Shaikh, has been issued a notice by the police under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for her controversial statement about painting Mumbra green. This action follows a viral video where Shaikh, after winning from ward 30 in the Thane civic polls on January 15, made remarks targeting NCP SP MLA Jitendra Awhad and expressed her intention to turn Mumbra green during her five-year term.

In her victory speech, Shaikh stated, "In the next five years, every candidate in Mumbra will be from AIMIM. Mumbra must be completely painted green." Her comments have sparked controversy and led to a complaint from a BJP delegation led by former MP Kirit Somaiya. The complaint alleged that her remarks were provocative and aimed at inciting communal tension in the area.

Political Reactions and Allegations

Somaiya's letter did not directly name Shaikh but accused AIMIM leaders of making inflammatory speeches in Mumbra. He emphasised that Mumbra is part of Maharashtra, which respects the saffron legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The letter further claimed that these speeches reflected Muslim bigotry and were intended to instil fear among the minority Hindu community residing there.

The police notice serves as a preventive measure to maintain peace in this sensitive township. An official from the Mumbra police station mentioned that Shaikh has been advised to exercise caution in her public addresses and avoid statements that might provoke sentiments. This step aims to ensure law and order in the region.

AIMIM's Political Gains

Meanwhile, Shaikh defended her comments, arguing they were being misinterpreted for political purposes. She clarified that her statement was merely an expression of hope to expand her party's influence. The Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) achieved notable success in the Thane Municipal Corporation elections, securing five out of 131 seats.

AIMIM's performance surpassed that of other parties like Congress, which failed to win any seats, and Shiv Sena UBT, which managed only one seat. Despite the controversy surrounding Shaikh's remarks, AIMIM's electoral gains highlight its growing presence in the region.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between political rhetoric and communal harmony in areas like Mumbra. Authorities are keen to prevent any escalation of tensions while political parties navigate their strategies in this diverse landscape.

With inputs from PTI