Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has ignited a significant controversy after labeling Kerala as “mini-Pakistan” during a rally in Purandar Taluka, Pune district. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, particularly the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition.
Speaking at the rally, Rane, who serves as the state fisheries minister, was quoted by ANI saying, “Kerala is mini Pakistan; that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them. This is the truth, you can ask. They have become MPs after taking terrorists with them.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey expressed his disapproval
The opposition swiftly condemned Rane’s remarks. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey expressed his disapproval, stating, “The BJP leaders are worried since PM Modi won only by a lakh votes; they are not able to digest Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s win. It is a very unfortunate statement by Nitesh Rane. Kerala is part of India, and our people live there. If they feel that it is becoming like Pakistan, the Governor is made by themselves only; then why is the Governor not able to give information? This is bad politics.”
Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe Patil also criticized Rane, questioning the necessity of his continued presence in the cabinet and calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for not addressing the issue.
As the backlash intensified, Rane attempted to clarify his comments, stating that he was comparing the situation in Kerala to that of Pakistan. “Kerala is very much part of India. However, the decreasing population of Hindus is something everyone should worry about. The religious conversion of Hindus into Muslims and Christians has become an everyday thing there,” he explained.
Rane further elaborated, “The love jihad cases where Hindu women are targeted are also increasing there. I was comparing the situation in Kerala with Pakistan. The way Hindus are treated in Pakistan if such situations happen in our very own country, we must take action against that. That is what I was trying to say in my speech.”
He insisted that he was merely stating facts and mentioned that he was accompanied by an individual who has reportedly helped “12,000 Hindu women” avoid conversion to Islam and Christianity. “What I said about Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, you ask anyone in the Wayanad constituency. Who are the people who support them?” Rane added.
