Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane sparked controversy with a statement about the Muslim community, referring to them as 'green snakes'. The remarks, which also targeted the Urdu language and votes, drew sharp reactions from the Congress and other parties.
Maharashtra: Maharashtra Minister and BJP MLA Nitesh Rane has once again found himself embroiled in controversy due to his statements. This time, his remarks about the Muslim community have significantly heightened the political temperature. During a public gathering, Rane stated that "all Muslims are green snakes" and that Mumbai's DNA is Hindu. This statement not only provided an opportunity for the opposition to attack but also sparked outrage among social organizations and the general public.
"Those with round caps and beards did not vote for me": Rane
A video of Nitesh Rane's statement, reported by news agency ANI, surfaced, in which he says, "Those with round caps and beards did not vote for me. I became an MLA with the votes of Hindus. If I don't support Hindus, will I support those who speak Urdu?" He claimed that he is first a Hindu, then a minister and an MLA.
"Mumbai's DNA is Hindu": Nitesh Rane
Rane also said that Mumbai's DNA is Hindu and that he will always advocate for Hindu interests. He added, "We must be vigilant. This is the time for Hindus to unite. A government of Hindutva ideology has been elected by you, and this government is responsible for your development and protection."
"Lemons were cut in our name, it doesn't matter": Rane
Further hardening his statement, he added, "How much we, people like us, have been insulted, lemons were cut in our name, but it doesn't matter to us. We will continue to work for Hindus."
Congress called it anti-constitutional
The Congress has bly reacted to Rane's statement. Congress leader Nana Patole said that Nitesh Rane holds a constitutional position and has taken an oath of the constitution. Making such remarks against any religion while holding such a position is not only unconstitutional, but it is also an attempt to divide society. He said that strict action should be taken against such leaders.
Abu Azmi of the Samajwadi Party retaliated
Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi also condemned Rane's statement. He said, "Urdu is a language of this country. All pre-independence government documents were in Urdu. The FIR of Gandhi's murder was also written in Urdu. This language is the heritage of India." Abu Azmi said that it does not behoove a leader to interfere in religious matters. He advised Rane to read the constitution.
