A fresh political controversy has erupted in Mumbai, particularly in Mumbra, after AIMIM’s youngest councillor Sahar Shaikh once again drew attention by repeating the phrase “Kaisa haraya” in public, despite having earlier submitted a written apology over her controversial victory speech remark about “painting Mumbra green”.

The issue resurfaced after AIMIM leader and party president Imtiaz Jaleel prompted the newly elected corporator to repeat the slogan during a media interaction following her electoral win. Delivered in a sarcastic tone, the remark immediately reignited a debate that had dominated political discourse in recent days.

When questioned by reporters, Sahar Shaikh initially said she was refraining from making further statements and clarified that she was not under any pressure. However, moments later, her repetition of the slogan was widely interpreted as a taunt directed at political opponents, triggering renewed criticism and widespread discussion across media and social platforms.

Responding to the backlash, the 22-year-old councillor alleged that she was being unfairly targeted by the media. She claimed that national media outlets had been continuously surrounding her for the past three days while making what she described as false allegations. Sahar also acknowledged the support she received during the controversy, noting that several non-Muslim Hindu supporters had shared videos backing her on social media, for which she expressed gratitude.

The controversy traces back to Sahar Shaikh’s victory speech, during which she said she would make the entire Mumbra area “green”. Political opponents described the remark as provocative and inflammatory, drawing sharp reactions across party lines.

Following the speech, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya filed a complaint at the Mumbra police station, alleging that the statement had hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus. Sahar Shaikh was subsequently summoned twice by the police for questioning in connection with the complaint.

Somaiya later informed the media that the councillor had submitted a written apology, in which she clarified that she had no intention of hurting religious sentiments. In her statement, Sahar said that while her party’s flag is green, she remains committed to India and its tricolour.

Reacting to the apology, Somaiya said that it had been accepted, noting Sahar’s young age, but launched a sharp attack on AIMIM, accusing the party of attempting to radicalise youth and polarise society. He asserted that the government would not tolerate any attempts to disturb communal harmony in Mumbai.