Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, Humayun… From Ancestors to Politics, Clash Over Green vs Saffron Heats Up in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Political rhetoric in Maharashtra has intensified following statements by AIMIM leaders Imtiaz Jalil and Waris Pathan, who declared their intention to “turn Maharashtra and India green.” The remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP and Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena, escalating the debate into a full-blown green vs saffron confrontation. Leaders from Shaina NC to Krishna Hegde have strongly retaliated.

AIMIM’s Green Agenda
Speaking about party expansion in Maharashtra, AIMIM leader Imtiaz Jalil endorsed controversial remarks made by newly elected corporator Sahar Sheikh, who said she would “turn Mumbra green.” Jalil added, “Not just Mumbra, we will spread green across Maharashtra,” reigniting the political discourse on saffron versus green in the state.

BJP Pushback: Historical and Cultural Context
Shaina NC slammed AIMIM’s stance, asserting, “AIMIM focuses solely on Islamization. They talk about green, but even their forefathers could not ‘green’ this country. Be it Aurangzeb, Akbar, Babur, or Humayun, none succeeded. This is Maharashtra—the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where Hindavi Swarajya was established. Saffron is our identity, our pride. Keep playing appeasement politics, but the people will reject you. Gone are the days when caste and religion defined politics; today, performance is the true measure.”

Krishna Hegde Targets AIMIM Leaders
BJP leader Krishna Hegde criticized Jalil and Pathan, highlighting their electoral defeats in both Lok Sabha and state assembly elections. “People rejected them, yet they claim they will ‘green’ India. Five hundred years ago, when Mughals attacked, we buried them here. This is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s land. Saffron prevailed then, and it will prevail tomorrow. India will never turn green under such divisive rhetoric. Leaders promoting religious divisions should face legal action,” Hegde asserted.

Amit Satam’s Strong Rebuttal
Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam said, “Even if AIMIM leaders were born a hundred times, they will never touch saffron. Imtiaz Jalil must understand Maharashtra’s ethos and culture. This is the land of Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji Maharaj, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Balasaheb Thackeray. Green may be their goal, but saffron is our legacy.”

Further Criticism from BJP Ministers
BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane advised Jalil and Pathan to “go to Pakistan,” while senior leader Ganesh Naik also criticized the AIMIM leaders, intensifying the political showdown in Maharashtra.