Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Jan 22: Mumbai police on Thursday served a formal notice to newly elected AIMIM corporator Sahar Shaikh in connection with remarks made during her post-election victory speech, which allegedly triggered political unease in the township. The 29-year-old corporator, who won from Ward 30 in the recent Thane Municipal Corporation elections, was cautioned against making public statements that could potentially disturb communal harmony.

Leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance and several local groups raised objections to her remarks, claiming they carried communal overtones. A video from Shaikh’s victory rally subsequently went viral on social media, showing her taking a swipe at NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad by asking, “Kaise haraya?” (How did I defeat you?).

The controversy intensified after Shaikh stated that she would “paint all of Mumbra green” during her five-year term. Responding to the criticism, Shaikh maintained that the comment was not communal in intent and referred solely to her party’s official colour. She said the remark reflected her ambition to strengthen AIMIM’s presence across Mumbra and reiterated her commitment to secular values.

Acting on multiple complaints, the Mumbai police invoked Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a preventive measure aimed at maintaining public order. The notice advises the corporator to be mindful during public engagements and to avoid statements that could provoke communal sentiments or disrupt peace.