Nitesh Rane, a prominent BJP MLA from Kankavli, Maharashtra, is under intense scrutiny after making inflammatory remarks targeting the Muslim community. Rane, known for his fiery rhetoric, recently issued a series of threats against Muslims during public addresses in Shrirampur and Topkhana, sparking outrage not only among the opposition but also within his own party.
Shaikh Slams Rane: “He’s No Gabbar, Just Gobar”
The controversy intensified when BJP leader Haji Arfat Shaikh, who heads the Maharashtra State Muslim Khatik Samaj Unit and previously led the state minority commission, publicly condemned Nitesh Rane’s statements. In a viral video, Shaikh accused Nitesh Rane of crossing the line with his hate speech. “He is not the ‘Gabbar’ of Hindus but the ‘gobar’ (cow dung),” Shaikh said, taking a jab at Rane’s self-proclaimed title. He further warned Rane against using derogatory language about Prophet Muhammad and Islam, emphasizing that such remarks could provoke a strong backlash from the Muslim community.
Rane’s Threats: A Call for Violence?
Nitesh Rane’s remarks, which were caught on camera and widely circulated on social media, have been widely criticized as incitements to violence. In the video, Rane is heard issuing threats to Muslims, saying, “We will enter your mosques and hit you one by one. I am threatening you in the language you understand.” He also boasted of being the “Gabbar of Hindus,” claiming that his presence on the streets forces Muslims to shut their doors and windows.
These comments have not only alienated the Muslim community but have also led to the filing of two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Rane for hate speech. The remarks were made in defense of Hindu seer Mahant Ramgiri Maharaj, who himself had made derogatory statements about Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Backlash Within the BJP: Calls for Action Against Rane
The backlash against Nitesh Rane has been swift and severe, with prominent BJP leaders voicing their disapproval. Haji Arfat Shaikh has been particularly vocal, challenging Rane to visit mosques if he truly intends to attack Muslims. “If he continues using such language against Muslims, and I resort to my original form of working and politics, he would not be able to utter a word,” Shaikh warned.
Shaikh also appealed to senior BJP leaders, including Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, to take action against Nitesh Rane. He expressed discomfort at being associated with a party member who would make such divisive statements and questioned whether Rane’s comments were motivated by personal political ambitions.
Sujay Vikhe Patil Joins the Condemnation
Sujay Vikhe Patil, a former BJP MP from Ahmednagar, has also spoken out against Nitesh Rane’s remarks, cautioning him against creating divisions based on caste and religion. “If he tries to divide our people in Ahmednagar, I am here to face him. The district believes in social harmony, and we will not allow anybody to disturb it,” Patil stated.
Patil’s comments underscore the growing concern within the BJP that Nitesh Rane’s rhetoric could undermine the party’s efforts to maintain social harmony in the region. The strong reactions from both Shaikh and Patil highlight the deep divisions that Rane’s statements have caused within the party.
Will BJP Act?
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes are on the BJP leadership to see how they will handle the situation. Will they take decisive action against Rane, or will his comments be brushed under the rug? The incident has raised serious questions about the party’s stance on communal harmony and its tolerance for hate speech within its ranks.
The backlash against Nitesh Rane serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of using religion and caste as political tools. In a country as diverse as India, where social harmony is crucial, such rhetoric can have far-reaching implications. The BJP now faces a critical test in how it chooses to address the issue and whether it will take a firm stand against hate speech within its own ranks.