Mumbai’s political scene heated up on Thursday as Samajwadi Party legislator Abu Azmi unleashed a scathing critique of the current administration. Speaking candidly to reporters, Azmi raised alarms over the insecurity plaguing the Muslim community, deteriorating law and order, unchecked infiltration, and questions of patriotism.
Azmi didn’t mince words: ‘Muslims are not 100% safe today. They’re harassed for sporting beards and caps, their religious affairs are meddled with. Since 2014, the ruling government has never addressed Muslim welfare—instead, it’s spread misconceptions painting them as enemies of the nation.’ He accused authorities of deliberately crafting a narrative that brands Muslims as anti-national.
Recalling a brutal attack on a Muslim man traveling to Latur by train, Azmi linked it to a surge in hate since 2014. ‘Even good people are now discriminating against Muslims. This is all to cling to power,’ he charged.
Reacting to BMC Mayor Ritu Tawde’s vow to remove ‘illegal Bangladeshi’ street vendors, Azmi defended Muslim loyalty. ‘Muslims offered their lives for India at independence. Who gave the slogan ‘Sare Jahan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara’? They’ve sacrificed on borders whenever needed.’
On infiltration, he turned the tables on the Delhi government: ‘If they have the guts, act first. Border security is their job, not the opposition’s. Bangladeshis enter under their watch, get passports and Aadhaar—yet they blame Muslims and opposition.’
Azmi took a hard line on Pakistan: ‘When they offer a handshake, why not break that hand involved in terrorism here? We’re far stronger.’
Finally, he decried crumbling law enforcement: ‘Criminals fear neither law nor government. They think bribes or loopholes in chargesheets will save them from murder, theft, rape, or drugs. Crimes rise daily.’
Azmi’s outburst underscores deepening communal tensions and governance failures, demanding urgent attention from leaders.