Is Meer Bhandar only a Jain town? Sharp controversy over BJP MLA Narendra Mehta's statement, Shiv Sena supporters demand apology

Mumbai/Thane (City News Mumbai) – BJP MLA Narendra Mehta’s recent statement about Mira Bhayandar has created a storm in political corridors. Mehta had said in Thane that Mira Bhayandar is only a Jain city. This statement, described as deliberately provocative, has elicited a sharp reaction at the local level.

In a detailed statement, local workers said that people of all languages and communities reside in Mira Bhayandar. The city’s foundation was laid by the original Agri and Koli communities, and they continue to make a major contribution today. The statement noted that when, during elections, Narendra Mehta went to the homes of people of every caste, religion and language to seek votes and even touched their feet, was he then relying only on Jain votes?

The statement further said, “If Mira Bhayandar is only a city of Jains, prove it. Otherwise you should publicly apologise for this statement.” The workers alleged that such statements are being made to appease only one religion.

Along with this, questions were raised about the mayoral appointment. The statement said that Dimple Madam did not become mayor because she belongs to any particular language or religion, but because she is a member of Narendra Mehta’s household. As a result, senior party leaders were sidelined.

The workers warned that if Narendra Mehta does not apologise for this statement, the true identity of Mira Bhayandar will be reminded in Shiv Sena style. They said that the city has 95 councilors who come from various languages and religions.

The statement concluded by saying that the city should stop being defamed without cause and focus on the other essential tasks of the municipal corporation.

This incident has sparked a fresh debate in Mira Bhayandar over communal and linguistic harmony. So far, the BJP has not issued any official response to the statement.