Amid ongoing BMC polls, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam expressed worries about a community’s gradual demographic and cultural influence in the city. He highlighted a planned strategy involving illegal encroachments, infiltration, and vote-bank politics. Satam criticized Shiv Sena-UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray, questioning the settlement of Bangladeshis and Rohingya infiltrators in Mumbai by a former minister from Uddhav’s cabinet.
Drawing parallels with a recent incident at Australia’s Bondi Beach, Satam cautioned about potential similar events at Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty if the situation remains unchecked. He emphasized the systematic encroachment on public land in Mumbai, leading to the illegal settlement of alleged infiltrators who obtain official documents like Aadhaar cards and voter IDs to be included in electoral rolls.
Referring to a Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) report, Satam pointed out the demographic shifts in Mumbai over the years. He cited that Hindus constituted 88% of the population in 1951, which decreased to 66% by 2011, while the Muslim population rose from 8% to 21% during the same period. Satam also mentioned the formation of pressure groups by a specific community seeking not just participation but a share in political power.
Satam raised concerns about rising crime and substance abuse in Mumbai linked to the infiltration. He questioned the ability of foreign individuals, like a woman arrested in Bengaluru for drug-related offenses, to reside in areas like Ghatkopar and Nalasopara. Satam highlighted the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 800 crore in 2025 by Mumbai Police and raised questions about the involvement of local gangs and political parties in the drug trade.
Highlighting the deportation of over 1,000 Bangladeshi nationals by Mumbai Police in 2025 alone, Satam warned about organized rackets involving political entities facilitating the settlement of illegal immigrants, posing a significant security threat to Mumbai. He also accused unnamed groups of destroying mangroves to create space for illegal settlements, labeling it as both an environmental and national security concern.
