The political temperature in Maharashtra rose further on Sunday after All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Imtiaz Jaleel firmly defended party colleague Sahar Shaikh over her controversial “Mumbra will be painted green” remark. Rather than distancing himself from the statement, Jaleel doubled down, asserting that AIMIM intends to spread its influence across the entire state.
Shaikh, who won from ward 30 in the Thane civic polls held on January 15, had said that all future candidates in Mumbra would belong to AIMIM within the next five years. Her statement, delivered after her victory, was aimed at signalling the party’s growing political strength in the Muslim dominated suburb.
Police Action And Political Pushback
However, her remarks quickly drew sharp reactions from the BJP and the Shiv Sena, triggering a war of words. The Mumbra police issued Shaikh a notice under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, terming the comments provocative and cautioning her against making statements that could inflame public sentiments.
Defending her, Jaleel accused the Maharashtra police of selective action. He claimed the notice was issued under pressure from a small group of protesters and alleged that leaders from the BJP and Ajit Pawar led NCP routinely make provocative remarks without facing similar consequences.
“The AIMIM will not retreat. Such actions will not stop our political growth,” Jaleel said, adding that the party remains committed to expanding its base.
Green Symbol Represents Political Growth
Addressing the controversy head on, Jaleel clarified that the reference to the colour green symbolised AIMIM’s party flag and electoral success, not a communal message. “The All India Majlis e Ittehadul Muslimeen will spread the colour green across Maharashtra,” he said, reiterating the party’s ambition to emerge as a significant political force in the state.
Shaikh later submitted a written apology to the police, stating that her remarks were misinterpreted and were never intended to convey a communal meaning.
AIMIM Gains Ground In Thane
The controversy comes amid AIMIM’s notable performance in the Thane Municipal Corporation elections. The Asaduddin Owaisi led party won five of the 131 seats, outperforming the Congress, which failed to secure a single seat, and Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction, which managed only one.
Despite the backlash, AIMIM leaders appear determined to convert their electoral gains into wider political expansion across Maharashtra.
