Hello Mumbai City Desk
Mumbai:
As the campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections intensifies, the political atmosphere in Mumbai and across Maharashtra has grown increasingly charged. In a significant political development, one of the country’s most trusted and reputed Muslim religious organisations, the Sufi Islamic Board, has announced its support for the Mahayuti alliance in the upcoming BMC elections scheduled for January 15, 2026.
In an exclusive interaction with Hello Mumbai News, Mr. Mansoor Khan, National President of the Sufi Islamic Board, explained the reasons behind the organisation’s decision. He stated that Sufism is one of the oldest spiritual traditions in India, but over the past several decades it has gained wider recognition and global exposure due to the efforts of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its alliance partners.
“Sufism is a very old sect in India. Over the last 70 years, we have received greater exposure due to the efforts of the BJP and their alliance partners. They have recognised our work and initiatives and have promoted Sufism not only in India but across the globe. Today, Sufism is spreading everywhere, and therefore we have decided to extend our support to the Mahayuti in the BMC Elections 2026,” Mr. Khan said.
During the interaction, Mr. Khan also outlined key demands that the Sufi Islamic Board has placed their demands before Mahayuti leaders. He said that if a Mahayuti-backed leader becomes the Mayor of Mumbai, the organisation would propose the construction of a ‘Sufi Bhavan’ in the city. According to him, this centre would serve as a hub for Sufi-related cultural and spiritual activities and play a vital role in promoting Sufism globally.
Additionally, Mr. Khan appealed to Mahayuti leaders to focus on the beautification and preservation of Sufi shrines (dargahs) across Mumbai if they come to power. He emphasised that these shrines are not only religious sites but also important symbols of harmony, culture, and spiritual heritage in the city.
The Sufi Islamic Board’s declaration of support is being seen as a notable development in the ongoing BMC election campaign, as political parties continue their outreach to various communities ahead of polling day.
