The BJP’s newly appointed Mumbai chief has stirred a row after asserting that the upcoming civic elections were about the “safety” of the city and “a Khan” should not become the mayor of Mumbai, referring to the Muslim community.
Ameet Satam made the remarks at the BJP’s Vijay Sankalp Melava, which was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister Piyush Goyal
The battle is to keep Mumbai safe. International countries are being infiltrated, and their colours are changing. Look at the surnames of mayors of some cities. Do we want that pattern in Mumbai?” Satam, who was appointed as Mumbai chief last month, said.
The remarks are being seen as a reference to anti-immigration protests sweeping London and other Western countries. Satam’s “surname” remark is likely a reference to London mayor Sadiq Khan, whose roots are in Pakistan.
Continuing his tirade, Satam further said, “The Versova-Malvani style can spread all over. There will be a Bangladeshi on the doorstep of Mumbaikars. Tomorrow, a Haroon Khan may be elected in every ward, and some Khan may become the mayor of Mumbai. Don’t let it happen.”
Versova and Malvani in Mumbai have significant Muslim populations. The remarks come amid a statewide crackdown on illegal Bangladeshis, which has emerged as a major poll plank for the BJP-led
Satam underscored that BJP’s fight was not just political, but about development and security. He urged party workers to reach out to every household and ensure that a mayor from the Mahayuti took charge of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Dubbed Asia’s richest corporation, the BMC is awaiting elections pending since 2022. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court fixed January 31, 2026, as the final deadline for holding the long-pending local body elections in Maharashtra.
