Mumbai BJP Chief Alleges Migrant-Fueled ‘Silent Invasion’ Ahead of BMC Polls

Issued a week before the civic vote, the claims drew a swift denial from NCP leader Nawab Malik, who called them election-time polarisation.

Overview

Ameet Satam accused Shiv Sena (UBT) of enabling the settlement of Bangladeshi and Rohingya migrants through politically backed encroachments and illegal slums in areas including Malvani, Malad, Mankhurd, Deonar and Kurla.
Satam alleged that settlers are helped to obtain Aadhaar, PAN and voter IDs and questioned nearly 50% voter growth since 2017 in wards such as Malvani, Malad–Madh, Kurla and Chandivali.
He cited a TISS report on long-term demographic shifts and referenced Mumbai Police figures of ₹800 crore in narcotics seizures in 2025 and over 1,000 Bangladeshi deportations last year.
Framing the issue as a security risk, Satam warned that a Bondi Beach–type attack could occur in Mumbai and alleged mangrove destruction to make space for illegal settlements.
Nawab Malik rejected the allegations as misleading and divisive, arguing deportations are a routine legal process and accusing the BJP of using the issue to target Muslims before the polls.