Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 6: A fresh political storm has erupted in Mumbai after BJP city president Ameet Satam’s controversial social media remark warning voters against any attempt to “impose a Khan” as the city’s mayor. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey hit back sharply, accusing Satam of spreading communal hatred and making “bizarre” statements to stay politically relevant.
Dubey came down heavily on the BJP leader, alleging that Satam’s remarks reflect his desperation. “Ameet Satam’s mental state has deteriorated. From the day he became president, he realised he was about to be wiped out. That’s why he’s been making divisive comments about the Mumbai mayor since day one,” Dubey said.
Referring to the BJP’s Saugat-e-Modi kits distributed among Muslims in Uttar Pradesh earlier this year, Dubey asked, “Was PM Modi sending those kits to Mamdani, or Pakistan, or Bangladesh? Don’t prove the Prime Minister wrong.”
Even while attacking the BJP for attempting to create religious divisions, Dubey maintained that “a Marathi Hindu will become the mayor of Mumbai” and that “the saffron flag will continue to fly in the city.”
The row began after Satam’s post on social media, in which he cautioned voters against what he described as a “vote jihad” by the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). “The way the political colour of some international cities is changing, after seeing the surnames of a few mayors and the ‘vote jihad’ of the MVA, it feels necessary to stay alert regarding Mumbai. If anyone tries to impose a ‘Khan’ on Mumbai, it will not be tolerated! Wake up, Mumbaikars!” Satam wrote.
The post came soon after 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, was elected as New York’s first Muslim, Indian-origin, and African-born mayor — a victory that drew global attention.
The war of words comes just months ahead of the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for January 31, 2026. The civic polls are expected to witness a fierce contest between the BJP and the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance — comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress — as both blocs gear up to capture control of Asia’s richest municipal body.