Kirti Somaiya accuses opponents of ‘land jihad’ over airport structure

Political veteran Kirti Somaiya has launched a scathing attack on opposition parties, accusing them of facilitating a "land jihad" by supporting the illegal mosque erected near the airport's Terminal‑2 VIP gate. Somaiya said the construction is part of a systematic plan to convert "Marathi Mumbai" into a "Muslim Mumbai".

She singled out the Congress and the NCP, claiming they are prepared to compromise national security in exchange for votes. Somaiya also referenced a previous instance where Bangladeshi Muslims allegedly set up a temporary prayer area near Bandra railway terminus, describing it as a pattern of unchecked religious encroachments.

The BJP leader demanded that the MMRDA and Mumbai Airport authorities file a First Information Report (FIR) against the trustees responsible for the mosque and any other entities involved in what she termed an unlawful land grab. She emphasized that any such attempts to alter the demographic landscape of strategic infrastructure will not be tolerated.

The controversy has sparked a broader debate about the balance between religious freedom and regulatory compliance in high‑security zones.