On being questioned about this contentious topic, the Municipal Councillor of SS from BMC Ward no. 96, Shri Haji Halim said, “Shiv Sena (SS), contrary to the general misconceptions created by the Congress and the NCP, has shown to be always sincere and committed to resolve any issues pertaining to the Minority community at large and Muslim community in particular. It has never been against Muslims as is negatively projected by the other so called Secular parties. This is by and large conclusively evident from their overwhelming support given to the Alami Ijtema (Universal Congregation), to be held in Aurangabad. The Shiv Sena through its leaders met the Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Phadanavis, and got the toll free facility sanctioned for the participants of the Congregation. Amongst other development work being done by SS for the Muslims, it also has to its credit the support given on the earlier Alami Ijtema (Universal Congregation), held in BKC, Mumbai, in 1995 for which SS had given NOC and had, gone a step ahead by providing free water and electric supply as it was held in their tenure of rule in Maharashtra.

 
Has any Ijtema (Congregation) of such magnitude been held in the tenure of Congress, NCP rule. I am the first Muslim Councillor from the Muslim dominated Behrampada area in Bandra (E), elected from the SS party. Had the SS been anti Muslim, he would have not been given the election ticket. The Muslims have in their gesture of thanking the SS made him victorious.”