Mumbai’s Shia community is making a loud demand just before the local elections! They want political representation in the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Leaders say that despite Mumbai having nearly 20 lakh Shia Muslims, none of the major secular political parties have fielded any Shia candidates since the 1980s. "Mumbai is home to nearly 20 lakh Shia muslims, yet not a single secular political party has ever granted representation to the community since the establishment of the Municipal Corporation of Mumbai," said Arif Sayyed, president of the community group. The spotlight is on Ward 139, also known as Lotus Colony, which alone has about 20,000 to 25,000 Shia residents. Other pockets like Govandi, Mankhurd, and Shivaji Nagar assembly constituencies also have sizable Shia populations, ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 in various wards. The Mumbai Shia Youth Brigade sent a strong letter to all political parties on November 16, 2025, warning: "In case of continued neglect, the Shia community will boycott elections and vote NOTA across Shia-majority wards." This is no small threat. NOTA means 'None of the Above,' which signals voters’ clear dissatisfaction. The community wants to make sure their voices get heard and their needs met. Besides political seats, the Shia community has pushed again for a piece of land to build a Karbala. This is very important to them for conducting Muharram rituals and other religious ceremonies smoothly and with dignity. Adding weight to their demand, Bombay High Court lawyer Abid Sayyed voiced, "Whichever political party fulfils this ‘legitimate demand’ will receive the full support and united votes of the Shia community in the upcoming municipal elections." On November 13, 2025, a big meeting was held to discuss this long-pending issue of Shia political representation. The community is clear: It’s time for political parties to recognise them, or face the consequences at the ballot box!