Senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya on Sunday alleged that a “school jihad” is taking place in Mumbai, claiming that unauthorised schools are being used to grab land and spread what he described as “jihad”.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Mulund, Somaiya said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had identified 164 illegal schools operating across the city.
Claims of Illegal Institutions and Land Links
Somaiya alleged that nearly 150 of these institutions are linked to what he termed “Muslim land mafias”. He claimed that several schools are functioning without proper permissions or official recognition.
“Muslim land mafia has not only made schools, but at some places they have converted them into masjids. They want to spread jihad,” he said, adding that such activities have allegedly been ongoing for over 15 years.
He further claimed that a large number of these schools are concentrated in areas like Govandi, Malad, and Kurla.
Allegations of Corruption and Land Grab
The BJP leader also accused civic authorities of enabling the situation through long-standing corruption.
“For the past 20 years, corruption has been happening in BMC. First, land was acquired by mafias, and then gradually developed. After land jihad, now it’s school jihad,” Somaiya alleged.
He linked the issue to illegal encroachments and claimed that these institutions were part of a broader pattern of land grabbing in the city.
Claims Linked to Illegal Immigration
Somaiya also alleged that the schools were being used to accommodate “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants” in Mumbai. However, he did not present documentary evidence publicly during the press conference.
He maintained that these are private institutions functioning outside the regulatory framework.
Government Action Expected
Somaiya said he has raised the matter with the Maharashtra Home Department and BMC officials. According to him, inspections have already been carried out by the education department following his complaint.
“I have been assured that there will be action against these schools,” he said, adding that steps could be initiated as early as next week.
Political Context and Wider Debate
The remarks are likely to intensify political tensions in the state, as opposition parties have often criticised the use of terms like “jihad” in political discourse.
Earlier, Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane had also sparked controversy by alleging “corporate jihad” in connection with a case involving a unit of Tata Consultancy Services in Nashik.
