Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane on Friday, 2 October launched a sharp attack on Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, alleging that Dipke had made abusive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that such language could only originate from Pakistan. Rane also hailed India's maritime sector on the sidelines of the 65th anniversary of the Shipping Corporation of India.

Rane's Accusations Against Dipke

Addressing the media in Mumbai, Rane said, 'If someone is making such abusive remarks against the Prime Minister of India, then their script must be coming from Pakistan. Because such abusive comments against the Prime Minister of India only originate from Pakistan's Parliament and the people of Pakistan, who always hate India. This kind of politics of hate and language of hatred can only come from Pakistan.'

Rane further alleged that Dipke was not speaking independently but was, in his words, reading a script linked to jailed JNU activist Umar Khalid and his backers. 'This is not about Abhijeet Dipke. We are not keeping him in focus, but the voice Abhijeet Dipke is speaking with belongs to Umar Khalid. And those sitting in Pakistan who support Umar Khalid, it is their script that Abhijeet Dipke is reading out,' the minister said.

Rane's Broader Allegations on 'Anarchy'

Rane alleged that Dipke and like-minded individuals exploit various public issues to foment unrest in the country. 'All of these people are supporters of Umar Khalid. At times, in the name of NEET, they sit on the shoulders of our students to shoot their guns; now they are doing it in the name of the Election Commission. But their goal is to bring anarchy to our country,' Rane said.

He claimed their intent was to replicate what he described as Pakistan's agenda within India and to 'speak the language of jihadis,' pointing to banners of Umar Khalid, Tipu Sultan, and Aurangzeb at such gatherings as evidence. These allegations by Rane have not been independently verified, and Dipke or his party have not been quoted in response.

Maritime Sector: India's 'Most Promising Journey'

Separately, Rane was present at an event marking the 65th anniversary of the Shipping Corporation of India, chaired by Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. Rane called it a proud moment for the nation and underlined that key decisions were being taken for the future of India's maritime sector.

'India's maritime journey is one of the most promising journeys in the coming future. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, the maritime sector is just going to grow and is going to achieve new heights,' Rane said. The event comes as the Centre has been pushing large-scale port modernisation and Sagarmala-linked investments across India's coastline.

Context and Political Background

The remarks come amid an increasingly charged political climate in Maharashtra, where ruling alliance partners have repeatedly targeted opposition and fringe political figures ahead of upcoming electoral cycles. Rane, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and son of Union Minister Narayan Rane, has previously drawn attention for combative statements against political opponents. Critics argue such rhetoric raises the temperature of public discourse, though the BJP maintains its leaders are responding to what it calls anti-national provocations.

How Dipke or the CJP responds — and whether any legal action follows — will be closely watched in Maharashtra's politically volatile landscape.