Tensions in Mumbai’s Mumbra eased somewhat as AIMIM councillor Sahar Yunus Sheikh tendered a formal apology for remarks that stirred a hornet’s nest. The catalyst was a police complaint by BJP’s Kirit Somaiya, leading to official inquiries and a contrite response from the politician.
On January 24, Somaiya shared on X that Sheikh had apologized following police notice. The station informed him during a follow-up that she submitted a written statement clarifying her January 18 meeting speech.
Sheikh’s words – ‘We will make Mumbra green’ – were defended as a reference to AIMIM’s green emblem. In her apology, she affirmed unwavering loyalty to the national flag: ‘We live for the Tricolour and die for it. I seek forgiveness if sentiments were hurt.’
Police detailed the process: post-speech notice under IPC 168, station appearance, and statement recording. Somaiya’s complaint had warned of stringent action sans apology.
This face-off underscores deepening political rivalries in Maharashtra, particularly in communally charged areas like Mumbra. Somaiya positions himself as a guardian against provocative speech, a role he’s embraced in past skirmishes.
Sheikh’s election as councillor amplifies her visibility, making every word scrutinized. Her apology, while resolving the immediate issue, spotlights challenges of articulating party goals without alienating audiences.
Looking ahead, this could influence campaign strategies, with parties calibrating messages to avoid legal pitfalls. For now, Mumbra police’s role in mediation earns quiet praise, promoting dialogue over discord.