Overview
- Ameet Satam initially told party workers, “We will not let any Khan become the mayor of Mumbai,” and wrote on X that an imposed “Khan” would not be tolerated.
- He later told PTI he was referring to an “anti-national” mentality rather than any community and said his opposition was to radical or fundamentalist elements.
- In a fresh comment reported by PTI, Satam said Mumbai “will not be painted on the basis of religion or colour,” invoking the city’s identity in diversity, hard work and unity.
- Retired Lt Gen HS Panag questioned the use of “imposed,” noting a mayor would be elected, while Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey derided the remarks and predicted a Marathi Hindu mayor.
- The remarks, made soon after Mamdani’s NYC win and in the run-up to civic polls, have drawn religion into a campaign that had centered on language and regional identity.