Sahar Shaikh Responds to Controversy with Viral Trend on Instagram

A political controversy has arisen in Mumbai following remarks made by Sahar Shaikh, a newly elected councillor from the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Responding to criticism regarding her “Paint Mumbra Green” comment during a recent victory rally, Shaikh utilized a popular social media trend to convey her message. On January 24, 2026, she shared a series of lighthearted photos and a reel on Instagram, captioned “Colour Colour Konsa Colour?” This playful approach has been interpreted by many as a defiant yet non-confrontational rebuttal to accusations of communalism in local politics.

Background of the Controversy

Sahar Shaikh, at just 29 years old, is the youngest elected corporator in the Thane Municipal Corporation elections. Before entering politics, she worked as a makeup artist and basketball player and even prepared for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). She transitioned into politics after being denied a ticket by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), leveraging her background as the daughter of veteran local leader Yunus Shaikh. With a significant social media presence, she has over 430,000 followers on Instagram, where she merges digital trends with grassroots activism, frequently addressing civic issues.

The controversy erupted after a video of Shaikh’s victory speech surfaced online. In the video, she taunted veteran MLA Jitendra Awhad with the question, “Kaise haraya?” (How did I defeat you?) and spoke about her ambition to turn Mumbra “green.” This remark drew sharp criticism from rival political parties, particularly the BJP and Shiv Sena, who accused her of using divisive rhetoric to appeal to a specific voter base. As a result, the Mumbra police recorded Shaikh’s statement following multiple complaints from these parties.

Shaikh’s Clarification and Response

Despite the backlash, Shaikh has maintained that her reference to the color green was solely about the AIMIM party flag. By participating in the “Colour Colour” trend, she aims to emphasize that the controversy is being artificially inflated over a simple color associated with her political organization. Her recent social media activity suggests a strategy to engage with her supporters while addressing the ongoing debate.

In response to the mounting criticism, Shaikh issued an apology, underscoring her respect for all religions and her commitment to the development of Mumbra for all its residents. She acknowledged her status as a young politician still learning the intricacies of public speaking and expressed regret if her words caused any offense.

Police involvement has escalated, with Mumbra authorities summoning Shaikh for clarification. They have invoked Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) as a preventive measure to maintain public order, although no formal charges have been filed. Investigators are currently reviewing the video and her statements to assess if further legal action is warranted.

The unfolding situation reflects ongoing tensions in Maharashtra’s political landscape, where local leaders navigate complex communal dynamics. Shaikh’s case serves as an example of how emerging politicians are increasingly using social media to connect with their constituents, even amid controversy.