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Satam defends remarks after Zohran Mamdani’s New York win, sparking debate on Mumbai’s identity. Shiv Sena (Uddhav) criticizes Satam amid upcoming Maharashtra municipal elections.
Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam (Image: PTI/File)
Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam has reignited a debate after defending his controversial remarks following the historic victory of Zohran Mamdani, an Indian-origin Muslim leader, in the New York City mayoral race.
Satam, who had previously said that Mumbai would not tolerate the “imposition” of a Khan, reiterated that the city must be protected from being divided along religious or communal lines.
“Mumbai will not be painted on the basis of religion or colour, just like what’s happening in some international cities of the world. Mumbai’s identity lies in its diversity, hard work, and unity — not in political posturing or religious divisions,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.
His earlier comments had drawn sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction), which mocked him over his “deteriorating mental state” and offered to fund his “treatment at Agra’s Pagal Khana.”
The controversy began when Satam reacted on X to Mamdani’s victory on November 5, where the New York politician defeated US President Donald Trump-backed Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Independent Andrew Cuomo with over 50 per cent of the vote.
In his post, Satam wrote, “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 Maha Vikas Aghadi, 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..!,” he added.
Elections for 246 municipal councils and 42 nagar panchayats in Maharashtra are set for December 2, with results expected a day later.
Reacting to Satam’s statement, Uddhav Sena leader Anand Dubey attacked the BJP for allegedly stoking communal tensions, while stating, “I confidently say that saffron flag will be flown in the municipal elections, and a Marathi Hindu will become the mayor here.”
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
November 07, 2025, 15:02 IST
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