BJP Condemns Nitesh Rane’s Threats to Muslims; Opposition Accuses Party of Communal Agenda
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) distanced itself from Maharashtra MLA Nitesh Rane’s controversial remarks threatening violence against Muslims by entering mosques. In a response on Monday, BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha stated that such comments are unacceptable in public discourse and should never be made by any politician. He emphasized that legal action is underway, with two FIRs already filed, and assured that justice will be served in due course.
Tuhin Sinha criticized the Congress party for its perceived selective approach to similar issues. He questioned whether Congress MLA Rashed Khan Feroz Khan had faced any consequences for allegedly offering bounties for Wasim Rizvi, who converted to Hinduism in 2021. Sinha also highlighted the case of Maulana Tauqeer Raza, who reportedly threatened Hindus before the Uttarakhand assembly election. According to Sinha, Congress allied with Raza despite his inflammatory remarks, pointing to what he described as “obnoxious selectivity” in the party’s responses to communal statements.
What Did Nitesh Rane Say?
Nitesh Rane, while addressing public meetings in support of Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj in Ahmednagar district, made alarming threats against Muslims. The words “We will enter your mosques and hit you one by one” were part of Rane’s speech. “Remember this,” went viral and prompted the police stations in Shrirampur and Topkhana to receive two First Information Reports.. The charges against him include criminal intimidation, provoking unrest, and insulting religious sentiments.
Rane, the son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, has a history of controversy related to his statements on religion. Earlier this year, he was booked for hate speeches in several Mumbai areas. In response to his son’s remarks, Narayan Rane urged that the issue should not involve entire communities but only those directly guilty. He has reprimanded Nitesh for his comments.
Opposition Reaction
The AIMIM party’s spokesperson Waris Pathen called for the arrest of Nitesh Rane and urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to take action. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut criticized the BJP, accusing the party of trying to incite riots and polarize voters ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Additionally, a delegation from the Mumbai Congress, led by president Varsha Gaikwad, met with police commissioner Vivek Phansalkar. They asked that Nitesh Rane and other BJP officials be held accountable for their offensive remarks and that the police remove Rane’s and the other leaders’ security.
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