Tensions escalate in Malvani as BJP demands police action against Congress MLA Aslam Shaikh

Mangalprabhat Lodha had earlier stated that MLA Aslam Shaikh had been encouraging the infiltration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas in Malvani and thereby playing with the country’s security. Lodha had been consistently following up with the administration, leading to actions being taken against illegal constructions in the area. Lodha said Aslam Shaikh had threatened Lodha and his family over his actions, and lodged a complaint with the Mumbai Police Commissioner. The impact of this incident is now visible, with BJP workers and workers of BJP Yuva Morcha taking to the streets.

Leaders including MLAs Atul Bhatkhalkar, Pravin Darekar, Manisha Chaudhary, and Sanjay Upadhyay also participated in the protest.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Upadhyay said that it is extremely serious when a person holding a ministerial post in the state is threatened by an MLA. “We are opposing this by following the law, but we can also respond in a language that Shaikh will understand,” he said.

He added, “The infiltration of Bangladeshis and Rohingyas will not be tolerated, and strict action must be taken against those who are supporting these infiltrators. We have staged a sit-in at the Malvani police station demanding that an FIR be registered against MLA Aslam Shaikh. Accordingly, the police administration will take action,” MLA Pravin Darekar stated.

“This is not merely a BJP vs Congress clash; this is a fight of the people versus the Congress regarding the security of the nation,” MLA Shri Atul Bhatkhalkar said during the protest. The protest saw participation from representatives of the Hindu society as well.

State Congress president Harshvardhan Sapkal said, “The BJP always raises controversial communal issues to polarise society during elections.”