Rane's accusation that Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were elected in Kerala with "terrorist" support has sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders, reigniting debates over communal rhetoric, amid his history of controversial statements
Published Dec 30, 2024 | 8:32 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 30, 2024 | 8:32 PM
Nitesh Rane during a public rally in Pune's Purandar Taluka on Sunday
Maharashtra Fisheries Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has sparked a political firestorm by referring to Kerala as “Mini-Pakistan” during a public rally in Pune’s Purandar Taluka.
His remarks, accusing Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of being elected from Kerala due to the support of “terrorists,” have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and reignited debates over communal rhetoric in Indian politics.
Rane’s statement comes against the backdrop of his history of incendiary remarks.
Known for courting controversies, the son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, used the occasion of Shiv Pratap Din—a celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s historical triumph over Afzal Khan—to launch an attack on Kerala and its electorate.
It was on 29 December that he made the said controversial remarks.
However, his comments have raised serious concerns, with critics accusing him of spreading hatred and undermining the constitutional values of secularism and unity.
Facing backlash, Rane clarified on Monday that his statement was not a denial of Kerala’s place in India, but a comparison of the state’s issues—such as alleged “religious conversions” and “love jihad”—with the situation of Hindus in Pakistan.
“I was comparing the situation in Kerala to how Hindus are treated in Pakistan. The decreasing Hindu population and increasing conversions are alarming. I was merely stating the facts,” Rane told a news agency and posted the same in his X account.
#WATCH | Pune | Over his statement on Kerala, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane says, “Kerala is very much a part of our country. The decreasing population of Hindus is something that everyone should worry about. Religious conversion of Hindus into Christians and Muslims is… pic.twitter.com/sqebhVeqs1
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024
He further challenged the Congress to refute his claims, asserting that his remarks were based on “ground realities.”
The opposition alliance, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), and several political leaders have condemned Rane’s remarks.
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi criticized the minister for “spreading hatred” and suggested that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis create a separate portfolio for Rane to propagate divisive rhetoric.
Congress MP Varsha Eknath Gaikwad, in a strongly-worded post on X, called Rane’s remarks a “betrayal of the Constitution” and demanded his resignation.
Nitesh Rane’s disgraceful remark comparing Kerala to Pakistan and labeling its people as terrorists is a blatant attack on the principles enshrined in our Constitution. It is also a betrayal of the oath he took as a minister.
Article 51A of our Constitution reminds every citizen… pic.twitter.com/0bk14BgouM
— Prof. Varsha Eknath Gaikwad (@VarshaEGaikwad) December 30, 2024
“India deserves leaders who unite, not divide. Nitesh Rane’s disgraceful comparison of Kerala to Pakistan and labeling its people as terrorists is an attack on constitutional values and the spirit of common brotherhood,” Gaikwad said, highlighting Article 51A of the Constitution, which emphasises the fundamental duty of citizens to promote harmony.
Interestingly, the Congress’ Kerala chapter has turned Rane’s remarks into an opportunity to target Kerala’s ruling CPI(M).
They pointed out that Rane’s comment about Wayanad echoes a controversial statement recently made by CPI(M) politburo member A Vijayaraghavan.
During a party event, Vijayaraghavan had reportedly claimed that “communal extremism” played a role in Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s by-election victory in Wayanad.
With senior CPI(M) leader PK Sreemathi publicly stating that Vijayaraghavan’s remarks reflected the party’s stance, the Congress fuelled allegations of a new agenda of majority appeasement within the CPI (M).
Leader of the Opposition VD Satheesan then stated that Vijayaraghavan’s statement marks a significant departure from CPI(M)’s historical secular stance.
He accused the party of attempting to align itself with the Sangh Parivar’s communal rhetoric to appeal to the majority community, particularly after setbacks in the parliamentary elections.
“The CPI(M) is trying to placate the Sangh Parivar by adopting their divisive agenda. This is an insult to the people of Wayanad, who voted for Priyanka Gandhi without any caste or religious considerations,” said Satheesan.
“Vijayaraghavan’s comment is not just against Priyanka Gandhi but an insult to the people of Wayanad,”added him.
At the same time, in the case of Nitish Rane, KPCC president K Sudhakaran accused the BJP and the CPI (M) of engaging in a coordinated effort to tarnish Kerala’s secular ethos.
Sudhakaran condemned Rane’s comments, describing them as an insult to Kerala and its deeply rooted secular values. He also challenged BJP leaders in Kerala to disavow Rane’s hate speech and demand legal action against him.
“The communal propaganda of the BJP is not new, but now the CPI (M)’s failure to denounce its own leader A Vijayaraghavan’s communal remarks has emboldened such statements. There is no difference between the BJP and the CPI(M) when it comes to spreading communalism. Both are engaged in the politics of hatred,” Sudhakaran stated.
The Congress MP alleged that the CPI(M) has been aligning with the BJP’s Sangh Parivar agenda by fostering anti-minority sentiments in Kerala. He criticised the CPM’s leadership for endorsing Vijayaraghavan’s controversial remarks, accusing the party of attempting to erode Kerala’s harmonious social fabric.
Congress Working Committee member and Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala has called for the immediate removal of Maharashtra BJP minister Nitesh Rane from the Cabinet.
Chennithala condemned Rane’s remarks describing Kerala as a “mini-Pakistan” and accusing Malayalis of being terrorists and anti-nationals.
Terming the comments as “absurd and reprehensible,” Chennithala said it was unacceptable for a responsible cabinet member to insult an entire state out of political animosity.
He highlighted Kerala’s achievements in education and social progress, adding that lakhs of Malayalis have contributed to the development of Maharashtra and Mumbai.
Chennithala also criticised CPI (M) leader Vijayaraghavan, alleging that his earlier statements had given BJP leaders like Rane the confidence to make divisive remarks.
He accused both the CPI (M) and BJP of attempting to communalise Kerala for political gain and demanded Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarify his stance on the issue.
AICC General Secretary and MP KC Venugopal has strongly criticised Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane for his controversial remarks branding Kerala as a “mini Pakistan” and labelling minorities in the state as terrorists.
Venugopal called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify his stance on the issue, stating that Rane’s comments violated the secular ethos of the land and posed a threat to India’s integrity.
Venugopal demanded Rane’s disqualification for violating his oath by inciting religious hatred, accusing the BJP of perpetuating divisive politics.
He also alleged that the CPI (M) and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan have tacitly supported anti-minority sentiments, equating their rhetoric to that of the Sangh Parivar.
Venugopal vowed that Rane’s statement would be challenged both legally and politically, accusing the BJP of continuing its history of making disparaging comments against Kerala, citing past remarks by Modi and Amit Shah.
He further accused CPI(M) leaders of aiding the BJP’s narrative, asserting that Kerala’s secular spirit cannot be tarnished.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
