A political storm erupted in Maharashtra after the state's minister Nitesh Rane made controversial remarks about Kerala, calling the state a "mini Pakistan" and alleging that "terrorists" were responsible for the election of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Rane, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane, made the comment during a rally in Pune district, which quickly became the subject of public backlash.
Rane's comments, made at a rally on Sunday, were aimed at Kerala's political landscape, especially the victories of the Gandhi siblings in the state.
Referring to Rahul Gandhi's 2019 election win from Wayanad and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's subsequent by-election victory, Rane stated, "Kerala is mini Pakistan, and that is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are elected from there. All terrorists vote for them." This remark was seen as an attack on the state's voters and politicians, especially considering Kerala's secular credentials and strong democratic traditions.
The statement immediately provoked sharp reactions, particularly from the opposition. Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe demanded an explanation from the BJP leadership, questioning whether Rane had the right to remain in the state Cabinet after making such divisive comments.
Londhe's statement, aired through news agencies, emphasised that Rane’s remarks not only insulted Kerala but also disparaged its citizens by branding them as "terrorists."
He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to clarify whether such a person should continue holding public office.
In the aftermath of the controversy, various political leaders voiced their disapproval. Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi called for Rane to be charged for spreading hate and suggested that a new portfolio be created for him to continue his hate-driven rhetoric.
Azmi’s comments underscored the frustration many felt, especially regarding Rane’s position as a minister, which they argued was not fitting for someone making such inflammatory statements.
Another Samajwadi Party leader, Juhie Singh, expressed her concerns and demanded that Rane retract his words. She stated that every Indian citizen, including those in Kerala, has the right to vote freely and without being labelled negatively.
Singh described the remark as indecent, highlighting the constitutional rights of citizens, irrespective of the state they belong to.
Rane, however, sought to clarify his controversial statement in the days following the uproar. He explained that his comments were not intended to target Kerala or its people but were aimed at raising concerns about the alleged issues of religious conversion and "love jihad" in the state.
Love jihad refers to an unfounded claim that Muslim men are converting Hindu women through marriage. Rane said that the decline in the Hindu population and the growing trend of conversions were troubling, asserting that such matters needed attention.
"Kerala is very much a part of our country. The declining population of Hindus is something that everyone should worry about," he said. Rane went on to defend his statement, claiming that he was merely pointing out the issues that threaten the protection of Hindus.
He compared the situation to that of Hindus in Pakistan, stating that if a similar situation developed in Kerala, it would be a cause for concern.
While Rane defended his comments, he insisted that they were grounded in facts. He called on the opposition, particularly the Congress, to prove him wrong if they could.
His statements seemed to reinforce his belief in the protection of Hindus in India, reiterating the importance of maintaining a Hindu-dominant country or "Hindu Rashtra."
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