Opposition slams Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane for ‘Marathi in madrasas' remark
Rane, reacting to reports that the Congress is launching Marathi schools in parts of Mumbai, said Saturday, 'Why does the Congress need to run Marathi schools? The Opposition should ask Muslims to give the azaan in Marathi. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Otherwise, all you get from there is a gun.'
The statement triggered the Opposition, which has termed it as provocative, divisive, and aimed at polarising communities.
Senior Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Shashikant Shinde criticised Rane's remarks, saying, 'This is the responsibility of the home ministry. There is no need to create unnecessary tension. If he wants Marathi to be taught in madrasas, who is stopping him? As a minister, he should raise such matters in the Cabinet, not make provocative public statements.'
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused Rane of hypocrisy. Responding to reporters, Owaisi said, 'If you look at his old tweets, you will see that he used to welcome the Tablighi Jamaat's Ijtema. He used to extend greetings. And now he wants azaan in Marathi?'
Rane has been known for making controversial statements. Earlier this year, he questioned the sacrifice of animals during Eid Al Adha, called for a celebration of a 'virtual Eid' and said India does not operate under Shariah law.
Pyare Khan, chairman of the Maharashtra State Minority Commission, later criticised the statements by Rane, accusing him of sowing divisions and targeting Indian Muslims in the name of Pakistan. Khan expressed concern that Rane's statements were not just harmful to society, but also risk dragging down his own party. 'By speaking like this, Nitesh Rane is damaging the image of the BJP. These are personal statements, but they reflect on everyone,' he said.
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