'Breach of Oath and Insult to Constitution,' Kerala CM Slams Nitesh Rane's 'Mini-Pakistan' Remark, Rajeev Chandrasekhar Reacts

On Tuesday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned Maharashtra BJP Minister Nitesh Rane's controversial 'mini-Pakistan' statement, calling it a serious violation of the Constitution and an insult to the country. CM Vijayan emphasised that Rane’s remark reflected the Sangh Parivar’s divisive approach toward Kerala. The statement has drawn severe criticism from political leaders across the spectrum, with calls for accountability and action against such inflammatory rhetoric. BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar has also addressed Rane's remarks. Let's find out what leaders have to say about this issue.

Kerala CM's Strong Reaction to Nitesh Rane's 'Mini-Pakistan' Remark

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan did not mince words when condemning Nitesh Rane's remark. He described the statement as a direct attack on the secular fabric of India. According to CM Vijayan, such hate-driven statements were part of a larger strategy by the Sangh Parivar to spread divisive propaganda and create rifts within Kerala’s peaceful and inclusive environment. He expressed surprise at the lack of a response from the ruling party leadership to this serious breach, which not only undermines Kerala's identity but also challenges the integrity of India's Constitution.

Opposition Leaders Demand Nitesh Rane's Resignation

In the wake of Rane’s remarks, Kerala’s opposition leaders voiced their strong disapproval. Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, called for Rane’s resignation, stating that such derogatory comments were unacceptable from a sitting minister. He also pointed out the political undercurrents of Rane’s statement, linking it to broader attempts to tarnish Kerala’s secular image. Satheesan emphasized that the comments targeted not only Kerala but also national leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, fueling unnecessary tensions.

Allegations of Coordinated Effort to Undermine Kerala’s Secularism

KPCC chief K Sudhakaran joined the chorus of opposition voices, accusing both the BJP and the CPI(M) of orchestrating a campaign to degrade Kerala’s secular legacy. Sudhakaran linked Rane’s remark to a broader conspiracy to undermine Kerala’s political environment, alleging that the statement was influenced by CPI(M) leader A Vijayaraghavan's previous controversial remarks. This coordinated effort, Sudhakaran claims, is part of a dangerous narrative aimed at spreading communal division and destabilising Kerala’s harmony.

BJP Leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar's Response

BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar says, "I do not fully agree with Nitesh Rane. Kerala is also my state, and I come from Kerala. Kerala has not become a mini Pakistan..." pic.twitter.com/w3Sxf7cnIP

— IANS (@ians_india) December 31, 2024

While the controversy rages on, BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar weighed in, stating that he does not fully agree with Nitesh Rane’s remark. "Kerala is also my state, and I come from Kerala. Kerala has not become a mini-Pakistan," said Chandrasekhar, distancing himself from Rane’s comments. 

Nitesh Rane’s statement has thus ignited a political firestorm, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the divisive rhetoric.