Thane

A victory speech by Sahar Sheikh, a 22-year-old corporator-elect from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the Thane Municipal Corporation, has sparked a political row after she spoke of “painting Mumbra green,” a remark rival parties allege carries religious connotations.

Addressing supporters after her win, Sheikh said that over the next five years, the AIMIM would dominate the political landscape in Mumbra. “In the coming five years, every candidate in Mumbra will belong to AIMIM. Mumbra should be completely painted green,” she said, in comments that quickly went viral on social media.

As criticism mounted, Sheikh issued a clarification on Wednesday, asserting that her remarks were being misinterpreted. She said the reference to the colour green was strictly linked to her party’s identity and not aimed at any religious group.

“Our party flag is green. If the flag were saffron, I would have said we would paint Mumbra bhagwa,” she said, rejecting allegations of communal intent.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC responded by demanding clarity from the newly elected corporator, asking whether the comment referred to environmental development or amounted to an attempt to polarise voters along religious lines.

The AIMIM, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, posted notable gains in the Thane Municipal Corporation elections, winning five of the 131 seats. The party outperformed several rivals, including the Congress, which failed to secure a single seat, and Shiv Sena (UBT), which managed to win only one.

Sheikh’s combative victory speech was also directed at NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad. She entered the fray after the party declined to nominate her as its candidate.

Reflecting on the results, Sheikh said the outcome had punctured the confidence of political opponents who, she claimed, believed they could continue to exert dominance over Mumbra’s electorate.

Highlighting AIMIM’s ideological resolve, she said the party would work to strengthen its presence not only in Mumbra but across Mumbai, describing the current victory as evidence of growing grassroots support.

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She also pointed out that in parts of Mumbra, the number of votes polled by NOTA exceeded those secured by a rival party’s candidate, calling it an indicator of voter dissatisfaction with established political players.