States » WestPosted at: Oct 2 2026 12:56PM


BJP MLA Narendra Mehta issues unconditional apology over ‘City of Jains’ remark

Mumbai, Oct 2 (UNI) BJP MLA Narendra Mehta has tendered an unconditional apology over his controversial description of Mira-Bhayandar as a “city of Jains”, following strong criticism from political parties and social organisations.
The remarks triggered a political row, with several groups questioning his statement and stressing that Mira-Bhayandar is home to people from different religious and cultural communities.
Mehta, who represents the Mira-Bhayandar constituency, made the remarks while addressing a community gathering in Thane on Wednesday. He referred to the presence of Jain community members in key civic positions and said that the mayor, nine corporators and he himself belonged to the community.
He also credited the Jain community with preventing the establishment of a slaughterhouse in the city and defended the temporary restrictions on certain food items at a school managed by him during the Jain festival of Paryushan.
The school had prohibited the consumption of garlic, onions, beetroot and other root vegetables during the festival. Mehta said the restrictions were intended to prevent the sharing of food items that were not permitted during the religious observance.
The statement drew sharp reactions from political parties and social organisations. Shiv Sena spokesperson Deep Kakade said Mehta had been elected by voters belonging to all communities and should respect the city's diversity. The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti demanded his resignation, while the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) threatened to organise a public protest.
Facing mounting criticism, Mehta addressed a press conference and clarified his position. He said his remarks were made at a religious gathering and were not intended to hurt the sentiments of any community.
He also emphasised that Mira-Bhayandar originally belonged to the Agri, Koli and Marathi communities, while reiterating his stand on the dietary restrictions introduced during Paryushan.
His unconditional apology came amid growing demands for clarification over the remarks, which have sparked a debate on community representation, religious practices and the cultural identity of Mira-Bhayandar.
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