Kerala CM Slams Maharashtra BJP Minister’s ‘Mini Pakistan’ Remark as Provocative

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan strongly denounced Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane’s statement describing Kerala as a “mini Pakistan.”

The remark, made during an event in Pune, sparked widespread outrage across political and public circles.

Nitesh Rane’s Controversial Statement

Speaking in Pune, Rane alleged, “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.”

His statement linked the election victories of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Wayanad to alleged terrorist support.

Rane’s comments not only targeted Kerala but also questioned its secular and democratic values, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Pinarayi Vijayan’s Strong Response

Reacting to Rane’s comments, Chief Minister Vijayan condemned the statement as “highly provocative and deplorable.”

He described it as a reflection of the Sangh Parivar’s broader ideological approach toward Kerala, accusing them of spreading hate to alienate areas they cannot politically dominate.

“The minister’s remarks insult the Constitution and breach his oath of office. It is surprising that the leadership of the ruling party at the Centre has not responded to this serious violation,” Vijayan said.

In a social media post, Vijayan further described Rane’s statement as “deeply malicious and utterly condemnable,” urging democratic forces to unite against such divisive propaganda.

Congress Criticizes Both BJP and CPI(M)

The Congress party also criticized Rane’s remarks but sought to connect the controversy to recent statements made by CPI(M) leaders about Rahul Gandhi’s and Priyanka Gandhi’s electoral victories in Wayanad.

AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal accused the CPI(M) of providing space for the BJP’s communal rhetoric.

“The minister’s statement hurts Kerala’s secular fabric. However, it is the CPI(M)’s divisive stance that has allowed such narratives to flourish. We will fight this legally and politically,” Venugopal said.

CPI(M) and BJP’s History of Targeting Wayanad

Rane’s comments are part of a larger history of political controversies surrounding Wayanad.

In 2019, BJP leader Amit Shah had questioned the allegiance of Congress supporters in Wayanad, citing the presence of green flags from the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a Congress ally.

More recently, during Priyanka Gandhi’s by-election campaign, CPI(M) leaders claimed that communal alliances and extremist elements were behind her and Rahul Gandhi’s victories.

These allegations further fueled political tensions, with the Congress accusing CPI(M) of aiding BJP’s communal narratives.

Kerala’s Secular Identity Under Threat

Kerala has long been celebrated for its secular and inclusive ethos. Vijayan reaffirmed the state’s commitment to these values, accusing the Sangh Parivar of orchestrating hate campaigns to undermine Kerala’s harmony.

In his remarks, Vijayan also defended his earlier caution against misrepresenting Sree Narayana Guru’s teachings as aligned with Sanatana Dharma.

He emphasized the need to protect Kerala’s history of communal harmony from divisive ideologies.

Demands for Accountability

The controversy has prompted calls for action against Rane. Opposition leaders, including K C Venugopal, demanded a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The Prime Minister must take a stand against this inflammatory comment by a minister from his party,” Venugopal said.

While Rane attempted to justify his statement by raising concerns about religious conversions and “love jihad” in Kerala, critics rejected his explanation, labeling it a distraction from the inflammatory nature of his remarks.

Kerala CM’s Call for Unity

Vijayan concluded his criticism with a call for unity among secular and democratic forces to counteract hate campaigns.

“We strongly denounce this vile attack on Kerala and urge all democratic forces to unite against the Sangh Parivar’s hateful propaganda,” he said.

Kerala’s Secular Legacy in Focus

The incident has reignited debates about Kerala’s secular identity and the role of communal rhetoric in Indian politics.

For a state that prides itself on communal harmony, such statements are seen as attempts to disrupt its unique social fabric.

As political tensions continue to simmer, the controversy underscores the need for accountability and a reaffirmation of India’s democratic values.