Nitesh Rane: From Congress to AIMIM, Political Parties React to Maharashtra Minister’s ’Mini Pakistan’ Remark on Kerala

Nitesh Rane: India, with its rich diversity, is bound together by the words “We, the People of India” in the Constitution, highlighting the unity of its citizens across regions, religions and cultures. But occasionally, comments from political leaders, like Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane calling Kerala a "Mini Pakistan," stir the pot and get people talking. These remarks tend to spark debates, with opinions flying in all directions, and add a bit of heat to the political atmosphere. Leaders from AIMIM, Congress and other parties have expressed their disapproval of Rane's comment.

AIMIM and Congress Reacts to Nitesh Rane's Remark

AIMIM's national spokesperson, Waris Pathan, criticised Rane, saying, "He has developed a habit of speaking nonsense and constantly spews venom against Muslims."

Mumbai: On Minister Nitesh Rane's statement referring to Kerala as 'Mini Pakistan,' AIMIM National Spokesperson Waris Pathan says, "He has developed a habit of speaking nonsense and constantly spews venom against Muslims" pic.twitter.com/q7yJFHJcvz

— IANS (@ians_india) December 30, 2024

Similarly, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera expressed strong objection to Rane’s statement. Khera questioned the BJP’s stance on such comments, asking sarcastically, “Ask Nadda ji whether the BJP will contest the next election in Kerala or not. These unconstitutional statements are repeatedly made by Bharatiya Janata Party leaders against the Constitution.”

Delhi: BJP leader Nitesh Narayan Rane says that "Kerala is a mini Pakistan, which is why Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi win there"

Congress leader Pawan Khera says, "Ask Nadda ji whether the BJP will contest the next election in Kerala or not. These unconstitutional statements… pic.twitter.com/kEafUWcwbM

— IANS (@ians_india) December 30, 2024

Nitesh Rane Defends His Statement

Facing backlash, Nitesh Rane defended his remark, explaining, "Kerala is very much a part of our country. The decreasing population of Hindus is something that everyone should worry about. Religious conversion of Hindus into Christians and Muslims is becoming an everyday thing there. Love Jihad cases are also increasing there. I was comparing the situation with the way Hindus are treated in Pakistan. If a similar situation arises in Kerala, then we have to think about it. We want our Hindu Rashtra to remain a Hindu Rashtra, and Hindus should be protected in every way. I was just stating the facts so that everyone knows what the situation is. Whatever I said is based on facts. Let the Opposition, Congress prove me wrong."

#WATCH | Pune | Over his statement on Kerala, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane says, "Kerala is very much a part of our country. The decreasing population of Hindus is something that everyone should worry about. Religious conversion of Hindus into Christians and Muslims is… pic.twitter.com/sqebhVeqs1

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024

Another Controversial Comment

Despite the clarification, Rane reignited controversy by targeting Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. He remarked, “Those who supported Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in electionare are anti nationals. We have this information."

Pune, Maharashtra: State Minister Nitesh Rane says, "Those who supported Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in electionare are anti nationals. We have this information..." pic.twitter.com/nL5ZYII9vp

— IANS (@ians_india) December 31, 2024

The remark has added fuel to the political firestorm, with opposition parties continuing to criticise the minister for his provocative statements.