Mumbai: State Skill Development Minister and Mumbai Suburban Co-Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has lodged a formal complaint with Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, alleging that he and his family received threats from Malad–Malvani Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh. The development has sparked a political storm, prompting BJP leaders to demand strict action against the legislator.
Crackdown on Illegal Constructions in Malvani
Lodha has been vocal about the presence of Rohingyas and allegedly infiltrated Bangladeshis in Mumbai particularly in Malvani and has been leading a sustained campaign against illegal constructions in the area. Officials said the administration has already cleared 9,000 sq. metres of encroached government land in the first phase, with further action expected.
Lodha Accuses MLA of Encouraging Illegal Structures
The Minister alleged that MLA Aslam Shaikh has been “encouraging illegal structures” in Malvani, adding that such activities pose a serious threat to Mumbai’s security.
“Mumbai, being an international city, remains on terrorists’ radar. Yet, MLA Aslam Shaikh continues to facilitate illegal constructions in Malvani, compromising the city’s safety. This will not be tolerated,” Lodha stated.
Claims of Sheltering Anti-Social Elements
Lodha further alleged that Shaikh regularly shelters anti-social elements and obstructs official actions against illegal settlements, particularly those allegedly constructed by infiltrated Bangladeshis. He claimed that the MLA attempted to hinder the ongoing demolition drive and later issued threats to him and his family. Lodha has submitted a detailed written complaint to Commissioner Bharti.
BJP Reacts Strongly to Threat Allegations
Reacting sharply, Mumbai BJP President and MLA Amit Satam condemned the alleged threats. Satam accused Shaikh of promoting what he called the “Malvani pattern” by prioritising Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators.
“We are not afraid of his public threats made during local meetings. We will uproot this Malvani pattern from its roots,” Satam said, urging strict police action.
Lodha Vows to Continue Action Despite ‘Intimidation’
Meanwhile, Lodha has reiterated that “disruptive forces” will not deter him from continuing strong action against infiltrators. He emphasised that national security and the safety of Mumbai residents remain his top priorities.
MLA Aslam Shaikh's Reply
Have you ever tried to understand what the “Malvani Pattern” actually is, Mr. Amit Satam, whose name you keep invoking repeatedly?What is the Malvani Pattern?The very people for whom you are issuing empty threats to MLA Aslam Shaikh today if Aslam Shaikh is indeed the originator of the Malvani Pattern then it is something Malad residents should feel proud of.The Malvani Pattern is one where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists citizens of every caste and religion live together in harmony.
A place where you can experience the cultural diversity of the entire country that is the Malvani Pattern.A spirit that runs through the veins of every citizen of Malad that is the Malvani Pattern.The same Lodha group, which denied homes in their towers not just to a particular community but even to the original sons of Mumbai, is now coming to Malvani and snatching away the shelter of the poor.It was Mangal Prabhat Lodha who, during heavy rains in Ambojwadi, forced poor families into the open.It was the same Mangal Prabhat Lodha who demolished the Hindu crematorium in Bhati village.
It was again Mangal Prabhat Lodha who displaced Hindus in Rathodi without even issuing proper notices.A few years ago, a builder named Lodha entered Malvani and began working aggressively to break the region’s social unity.Against such communal efforts, it is the Malvani Pattern that has kept the torch of secularism burning.
By raising the issues of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, are you trying to make Hindus of Malvani homeless?Of course, what else can one expect from a commercial politician like Lodha, who even grabbed lands in Ayodhya?
