In a swift turn of events in Mumbai’s political landscape, newly elected AIMIM councillor Sahar Sheikh has issued a public apology for her controversial statement. The apology comes hot on the heels of a formal police complaint filed by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who took to social media platform X to announce the development.
Somaiya revealed that following his complaint at Mumbra police station, authorities served a notice to Sheikh under IPC Section 168. During a follow-up visit, the police informed him that Sheikh had submitted a written apology. ‘AIMIM leader from Mumbra, Sahar Sheikh, has apologized for her statement “We will make Mumbra green,”‘ Somaiya posted.
The controversy erupted from a speech Sheikh delivered on January 18 during a meeting, where she declared intentions to ‘make Mumbra green.’ Critics, including Somaiya, interpreted this as a provocative reference to Pakistan’s flag color, potentially inciting communal tensions.
In her apology letter to the police, Sheikh clarified that her words referred solely to her party’s green flag and symbol. ‘We live and die for the Tricolour. If my statement hurt anyone’s sentiments, I apologize unconditionally,’ she stated.
Police confirmed that Sheikh was summoned to the station, where her statement was recorded. Somaiya had demanded strict legal action if no apology was forthcoming, underscoring his commitment to curbing hate speech.
This incident highlights ongoing frictions between BJP and AIMIM in Maharashtra’s urban pockets like Mumbra, a area with significant Muslim population. As local elections heat up, such exchanges are likely to intensify, with both sides accusing each other of polarizing rhetoric.
Sheikh’s quick backtrack may defuse immediate tensions, but it raises questions about political discourse in sensitive regions. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent escalation.