Thane Police Issues Formal Notice to AIMIM Corporator Over Controversial Victory Speech
Mumbra police in Thane took formal action on Thursday by issuing a notice to newly elected AIMIM corporator Sahar Shaikh following her controversial victory speech that allegedly sparked political tension in the township. The 29-year-old politician, who secured victory from Ward 30 in the recent Thane Municipal Corporation elections, received a warning against making statements that could potentially disturb communal harmony in the area.
Controversial Remarks and Political Backlash
The controversy emerged from multiple aspects of Shaikh's post-election address. A viral video from her rally captured her taunting NCP (SP) leader Jitendra Awhad with the pointed question, "Kaise haraya? (How did I defeat you?)" However, the most significant contention arose from her declaration to "paint all of Mumbra green" during her five-year term as corporator.
Mahayuti leaders and various local groups quickly raised objections, alleging that the remark carried distinct communal undertones that could potentially inflame tensions in the diverse township. These complaints prompted immediate police intervention to address the growing concerns about public order and social harmony.
Police Action and Legal Framework
Following multiple formal complaints from concerned citizens and political groups, Mumbra police invoked Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This preventive provision is specifically designed to maintain law and order and prevent situations that could escalate into public disturbances.
The formal notice served to Corporator Shaikh explicitly advises her to exercise heightened caution in all future public addresses and to refrain completely from making any statements that might potentially inflame communal sentiments or disturb the peaceful coexistence of different communities in Mumbra.
Defense and Clarification
In response to the controversy and police action, Sahar Shaikh has strongly asserted her secular credentials while offering clarification about her statements. The newly elected corporator explained that her reference to "painting Mumbra green" was simply meant to indicate her party's official colour and expressed her genuine hope to expand AIMIM's political footprint throughout the township during her tenure.
Shaikh emphasized that her statement was purely political in nature, reflecting her ambition to strengthen her party's presence rather than any communal agenda. Despite these clarifications, the police deemed it necessary to issue the formal notice as a preventive measure to ensure that public discourse remains within boundaries that preserve social harmony.
This incident highlights the delicate balance between political expression and maintaining communal harmony in diverse urban areas, particularly following heated election campaigns where rhetoric can sometimes cross into sensitive territory requiring official intervention.
