Nitesh Rane Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Kerala and Rahul Gandhi

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane, son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane, has ignited a political firestorm by referring to Kerala as a “mini Pakistan” while targeting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

This statement, made during a rally in Pune’s Purandar tehsil, has drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and led to heated debates.

The Controversial Statement

Addressing the rally, Rane stated in Marathi, “Kerala is a 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.”

His remarks specifically targeted the Gandhis, who have both represented the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in Kerala.

Opposition Leaders Condemn Rane’s Comments

Opposition parties quickly denounced Rane’s statements. Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe questioned his right to remain in office, saying, “The person who has taken an oath to uphold the sovereignty and unity of India is now labeling one of its states as Pakistan and calling its voters terrorists. Should such a person remain in a ministerial position?”

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey accused the BJP of being unable to accept Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s electoral success, saying, “The BJP leaders are worried since PM Modi won only by a lakh votes. They are not able to digest Priyanka Gandhi’s win.”

Rane’s Clarification

Facing backlash, Rane issued a clarification. “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. Love jihad cases are also increasing,” he said.

Rane compared the situation in Kerala to the treatment of Hindus in Pakistan, stating that his remarks were intended to raise awareness of these issues.

Historical Controversies

Nitesh Rane is no stranger to controversy. In September, he sparked outrage with provocative speeches allegedly threatening Muslims.

He also faced a defamation suit filed by Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut and a police case for allegedly using the term ‘Dalit’ during a television interview.

Opposition Demands Action

The Congress demanded accountability from the BJP over Rane’s comments.

“Should a person who makes such hate-filled remarks remain in office?” questioned Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who called Rane’s statement “deeply provocative and deplorable.”

Vijayan accused the Sangh Parivar of using divisive narratives to marginalize regions where they lack influence.

“The BJP’s silence on this issue is a blatant violation of constitutional values and the minister’s oath of office,” added Vijayan.

BJP Leader Responds

Responding to Vijayan’s criticism, BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar targeted the Kerala Chief Minister over alleged lawlessness in the state.

“Under your leadership, lawlessness and criminality have touched new lows. Even an Indian Army officer was assaulted. Such incidents tarnish the reputation of Kerala,” Chandrasekhar said.

Gandhis and Wayanad

Rahul Gandhi first won from Wayanad in 2019 and retained the constituency in the 2024 general elections before vacating it for his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who subsequently won a by-election.

Rane’s remarks accused the Gandhis of garnering support from “terrorist organizations” in Kerala.

A Divisive Strategy?

Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan accused the BJP of employing hate campaigns to isolate states where they struggle to gain a foothold.

“Rane’s remarks are an example of this strategy. Such divisive narratives violate the unity of our nation,” he asserted.

Congress’ Atul Londhe also criticized Rane for damaging Maharashtra’s reputation, citing newly released statistics that show BJP-ruled Maharashtra’s individual spending levels have fallen to the levels of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

He contrasted this with the higher spending levels in non-BJP-ruled states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

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