BJP MLA Narendra Mehta Apologises for Calling Mira-Bhayandar a City of Jains
Bhayandar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Narendra Mehta issued an unconditional apology on Thursday following widespread political and social backlash over his recent remarks claiming Mira-Bhayandar to be a "city of Jains." The controversial statements had triggered intense outrage from multiple political parties and social organisations across the region.
The controversy began on Wednesday while Mehta was addressing a community gathering in Thane. During his speech, the local legislator highlighted that along with himself, the city’s mayor and nine corporators belong to the Jain community. He credited the community’s local influence and political presence with successfully preventing a slaughterhouse from opening in the area.
At the same community gathering in Thane, Mehta also defended a recent four-vegetable ban imposed at a local school managed by him during the festival of Paryushan. The temporary restriction barred students from bringing garlic, onions, beetroots, and other root vegetables to the school premises.
The BJP leader's comments sparked immediate outrage and swift condemnation from political opponents and community groups. Critics and opponents emphasised that an elected representative serves and represents an entire diverse constituency rather than a single community. Shiv Sena spokesperson Deep Kakade pointed out that voters across all religious faiths had exercised their franchise to elect Mehta to public office.
The backlash escalated quickly as social and political organisations stepped in. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti demanded the MLA’s immediate resignation over his controversial statement, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to launch a public protest against him.
In response to the growing criticism and public outrage, Mehta held a press conference on Thursday to clarify his stance and formally tender his apology. "This city originally belongs to the Agri, Koli, and Marathi communities," Mehta stated during the briefing, adding that his earlier words were uttered at a religious gathering and were never intended to offend anyone.
However, even as he apologised for his characterisation of the city, Mehta maintained his full support for the school’s temporary dietary restrictions enforced during Paryushan. The MLA defended the policy, explaining that the school's four-vegetable ban was necessary because it prevented the cross-sharing of non-permitted foods among students.
