- By Aditya Jha
- Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
While reacting to Zohran Mamdani's mayoral election victory in New York City, Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam stated that the residents of Mumbai will "not allow any Khan" to become mayor in the upcoming civic polls. The BJP leader, who is also the MLA from Andheri West, claimed that efforts are being made to raise issues similar to the New York election to lure the voters. While Satam later clarified his stance by stating that he believes in religious harmony, he asserted that the people with anti-national stances must be opposed. At 34 years of age, Mamdani became the first South Asian and Muslim candidate to win the mayoral election in New York.
"We will not allow any Khan to become mayor," Satam had stated in his post upon declaration of Mamdani's victory. On being asked to provide clarification, the BJP leader stated that the capital city of Maharashtra needed to be protected from the people adopting the path of appeasement to maintain the power. "Some people are adopting the path of appeasement to maintain political power. It is necessary to protect Mumbai from such forces that have previously tried to divide society," Satam was quoted as saying by NDTV.
While claiming that he believes in religious harmony, he added that the BJP will oppose the politicians who try to divide the society. Mamdani opposed the Trump administration's immigration policy and also raised several key issues, including free childcare, rent freeze, free bus services, etc. The election for the control of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is likely to be held next year.
The election will be a litmus test for the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, as they joined hands after almost two decades allegedly for a common goal—to work for the Maratha pride. However, the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will also contest to win the key posts.