Archive · 2 Oct 2026
BJP MLA's 'Jain City' Remarks Trigger Mira-Bhayandar Political Row
Narendra Mehta, a BJP politician, called Mira-Bhayandar a “Jain city” and “Mini Rajasthan.”
He made the comments at a Jain community event in Thane.
He said the city has many Jain temples and Jain leaders.
Some political parties and local groups said the city belongs to all communities.
Gorvardhan Deshmukh demanded that Mehta resign and lose his MLA position.
The disagreement also referred to food rules at a school founded by Mehta.
Mehta said he did not mean to hurt anyone.
He apologised and said Mira-Bhayandar belongs to the Agri-Koli community.
BJP MLA Narendra Mehta described Mira-Bhayandar as a “Jain city” and “Mini Rajasthan.”
Mehta said the city has more than 33 Jain temples and Jain community leaders in key positions.
The remarks followed controversy over food restrictions circulated by Seven Square Academy during Jain Paryushan.
Marathi Ekikaran Samiti leader Gorvardhan Deshmukh demanded Mehta’s resignation and removal as MLA.
Mehta apologised, saying his remarks were demographic observations and that Mira-Bhayandar belongs to the Agri-Koli community.
- Who
- BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, Gorvardhan Deshmukh of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, and several opposing political parties and local groups.
- What
- Mehta’s description of Mira-Bhayandar as a “Jain city” and “Mini Rajasthan” prompted criticism and demands for his resignation.
- When
- Mehta made the remarks at a Tuesday Jain community event and issued a clarification and apology on Thursday; the reports do not provide dates.
- Where
- Mira-Bhayandar and Mira Road in Maharashtra; the remarks were made at an event in Thane.
- Why
- Critics said Mira-Bhayandar belongs to all communities, including native Agri-Koli and Marathi populations, while Mehta said he was making a demographic observation rather than insulting anyone.
Critics of the remarks
Narendra Mehta’s response
City’s identity
Critics of the remarks
The Marathi Ekikaran Samiti, MNS, Shiv Sena, Congress, and other local critics said Mira-Bhayandar belongs to all communities, including native Agri-Koli and Marathi populations, rather than one religious group.
Narendra Mehta’s response
Mehta said calling the city a “Jain city” or “Mini Rajasthan” was a demographic observation, comparable to referring to Naya Nagar as a Muslim area because of its large Muslim population.
Political accountability
Critics of the remarks
Gorvardhan Deshmukh accused Mehta of behaving arrogantly and demanded action, his resignation, and removal as an MLA; he also questioned why senior BJP leaders were tolerating the alleged conduct.
Narendra Mehta’s response
Mehta clarified that he did not intend to hurt the sentiments of any community or religion and apologised for any offense caused.
Food restrictions
Critics of the remarks
Critics linked the dispute to concerns about the school advisory restricting certain vegetables and non-vegetarian food during Jain Paryushan, as well as broader allegations about food restrictions in the city.
Narendra Mehta’s response
Mehta defended the school circular, saying it was intended to encourage students to eat nutritious food.
- Remark at issue
- Mira-Bhayandar was called a “Jain city” and “Mini Rajasthan.”
- Speaker
- Narendra Mehta, a BJP MLA.
- Religious figures cited
- Mehta said Mira-Bhayandar has more than 33 Jain temples and that its MLA and mayor belong to the Jain community.
- Critic
- Gorvardhan Deshmukh, Maharashtra State President of the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti.
- Main demand
- Mehta’s immediate resignation and removal as an MLA.
- School controversy
- Seven Square Academy issued an advisory during Jain Paryushan concerning onion, garlic, potato, beetroot, other “kanda-mool” vegetables, and non-vegetarian food.
- Mehta’s response
- He apologised if the remarks hurt any community and said Mira-Bhayandar belongs to the Agri-Koli community.