“Because of my flag colour.” That’s how Sahar Shaikh, an AIMIM corporator from Mumbra in Thane, chose to explain her now-infamous remark—“Paint Mumbra Green”—which has ignited a fierce political and social media storm across Maharashtra. What began as a seemingly offhand comment during a public event has spiraled into a national debate over identity, symbolism, and the thin line between political expression and communal provocation .
The phrase Paint Mumbra Green instantly went viral, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and even sections of the public who interpreted it as a coded message with religious undertones. But Shaikh insists it was nothing more than a proud nod to her party’s official colour. So, what’s really going on in this Mumbai suburb—and why does a colour carry so much weight?
Table of Contents
- The Incident: What Did Sahar Shaikh Say?
- “Paint Mumbra Green”: The Political and Symbolic Backlash
- AIMIM’s Response: “Flag Colour, Not Faith”
- Mumbra: A Demographic and Political Flashpoint
- Historical Context of Colour in Indian Politics
- Public Reaction: Social Media and Street Protests
- Conclusion: When Colours Become Controversies
- Sources
The Incident: What Did Sahar Shaikh Say?
During a local event in Mumbra—a densely populated suburb with a significant Muslim population—Corporator Sahar Shaikh, representing the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), reportedly urged supporters to “Paint Mumbra Green.” The video clip quickly spread online, with many interpreting the statement as a call to assert religious identity in public spaces .
In response to mounting criticism, Shaikh clarified that her remark was purely symbolic of her party’s identity. “Because the colour of my flag is green,” she stated plainly, emphasizing that it had no religious connotation but was instead a reflection of AIMIM’s official party colour [[1], [3]].
Paint Mumbra Green: The Political and Symbolic Backlash
Despite her explanation, opposition parties were quick to condemn the statement. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and BJP accused Shaikh of attempting to “communalize” local governance and stoke religious division. “You can’t use public office to promote sectarian agendas,” said a senior BJP leader from Thane .
Critics argue that in the Indian context, green is widely associated with Islam, making the phrase inherently loaded. They contend that calling for a public space to be “painted green” goes beyond party symbolism and enters the realm of identity politics—a dangerous game in India’s already tense socio-political climate.
AIMIM’s Response: “Flag Colour, Not Faith”
AIMIM leaders have rallied behind Shaikh, insisting the controversy is manufactured. Party spokespersons point out that many political parties in India use specific colours: saffron for the BJP, red for the CPI(M), and green for AIMIM. “Just as no one questions the saffron flags at BJP offices, why is green being politicized?” asked an AIMIM state leader .
The party maintains that Shaikh’s comment was aspirational—a call to strengthen AIMIM’s presence in Mumbra through civic engagement, not religious assertion. They frame it as a slogan akin to “Make America Great Again” or “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”—a branding exercise, not a theological decree.
Mumbra: A Demographic and Political Flashpoint
To understand the sensitivity, one must look at Mumbra itself. Located in the Thane district of Maharashtra, Mumbra is one of the most densely populated urban areas in India, with a large Muslim community. It has long been a political battleground, with parties like AIMIM, NCP, and Congress vying for influence .
AIMIM’s growing presence here is seen by some as a challenge to traditional secular parties. The Paint Mumbra Green slogan, therefore, is viewed not just as a colour preference but as a declaration of political expansion—an attempt to turn Mumbra into an “AIMIM stronghold,” symbolically and electorally.
Historical Context of Colour in Indian Politics
Colours have always played a powerful role in Indian politics:
- Saffron (Bhagwa): Associated with Hindu nationalism, used by the BJP and RSS.
- Green: Historically linked to Muslim identity, used by parties like AIMIM and the former Muslim League.
- Red: Symbol of communism and leftist movements.
- Blue: Represents Dalit empowerment, used by the BSP.
While these colours serve as party identifiers, their deeper cultural and religious associations make them potent—and sometimes volatile—symbols in public discourse .
Public Reaction: Social Media and Street Protests
On X (formerly Twitter), #PaintMumbraGreen trended for two days, with users split sharply along ideological lines. One camp called it “innocuous party pride,” while another labeled it “soft communalism.” Local residents reported increased tension, with some Hindu groups staging small protests demanding an apology .
Meanwhile, civil rights activists warned against overreacting. “We must distinguish between political rhetoric and actual hate speech,” said a Mumbai-based sociologist. “Not every use of green is a religious call to arms” [[INTERNAL_LINK:communalism-in-indian-politics]].
Conclusion: When Colours Become Controversies
The Paint Mumbra Green episode reveals a deeper truth about modern Indian politics: in an age of hyper-polarization, even the simplest symbols can be weaponized. Whether Shaikh’s remark was benign or provocative depends largely on who you ask—and what you believe about the role of identity in public life. What’s clear is that in places like Mumbra, where demographics and democracy collide, every word—and every colour—carries weight.