MVA Demands Resignation of Maharashtra BJP Minister for Calling Kerala a ‘Mini-Pakistan’

Mumbai, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Maha Vikas Aghadi took a firm stand on Monday against Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minister Nitesh N. Rane, who labeled Kerala as a ‘mini-Pakistan’ and asserted that Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra, are elected by votes from terrorists.

Leaders from the MVA, including Congress' Pawan Khera, Atul Londhe, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Anand Dubey, Kishore Tiwari, and Clyde Crasto from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), condemned Rane’s statements as ‘unconstitutional’ and a product of an ‘illiterate mind’.

Rane, son of former Chief Minister and ex-union minister Narayan Rane, made these controversial remarks during an event in Pune that celebrated Shiv Pratap Din, which commemorates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s victory over the Bijapur Sultanate’s General Afzal Khan in 1659 at Pratapgad Fort in Satara.

In his speech, he praised Hindu activists from Kerala for saving the lives of 12,000 Hindu girls, highlighting the difficulty of rescuing even one.

“Kerala is simply a ‘mini-Pakistan’. This is why Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Vadra get elected there; they are supported by terrorists. I am only stating the facts… These individuals become MPs with the backing of terrorists,” Rane claimed.

His references to the Gandhis pertained to Rahul Gandhi's victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha elections while losing in Amethi in 2019. However, in 2024, he won both Amethi and Wayanad, with Priyanka Vadra also claiming the Wayanad seat in the subsequent bypolls.

“What can we expect from him? We must question Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on allowing someone to remain a Cabinet Minister after calling one of our states ‘mini-Pakistan’. We uphold a pledge of unity… I anticipated both (PM & CM), who deliver patriotic speeches, to ensure such individuals are not part of the ministry,” Londhe asserted sharply.

Crasto criticized Nitesh Rane as a “motormouth” needing oversight from the BJP, claiming he has insulted and demeaned a significant state in India, which is a highly regrettable act.

“Does the BJP support his views? It appears that a mentally illiterate Nitesh Rane is shamelessly disparaging the most educated state in India. The BJP must respond,” demanded Crasto.

Tiwari warned that Rane’s reckless and shameless remarks aim to incite conflict among communities in Kerala, a state that has consistently rejected the BJP, and that he should be dismissed for breaching his oath of office.

Khera straightforwardly asked, “Will BJP President J.P. Nadda confirm if their party will contest the next elections in Kerala? The repeated unconstitutional statements from BJP leaders go against the Constitution.”

“If Rane’s assertions hold any truth, why has the Kerala Governor, appointed by the President, not reported to the Centre regarding how the state has become a ‘mini-Pakistan’?”

“What are Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Fadnavis, Nitesh Raje’s ‘laadla’ (favorite), doing about it?” an irritated Dubey queried.

The NCP (SP) urged the state BJP to take note of Rane's statements, known for stirring controversies previously, and take appropriate action.

The newly appointed Minister reassured Hindutva workers that “you are not alone; we stand with you as the government.”

“The state has a saffron-clad CM, and Hindutva activists should feel no fear. If anyone acts unlawfully against Hindus or Hinduism, we will not spare them,” Rane warned, adding that despite his ministerial duties and limitations, the “work of Hindutva must proceed vigorously.”

Attendees at the event held at Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi in Saswad, organized by the Sarsenapati Hambirrao Mohite Gaushala and Gaurakshak Dal, included Dadaji Vedak, leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, along with Prathish Vishwanath and Sanjay ‘Kaka’ Sharma, who were recognized for their various contributions.

(Quaid Najmi can be reached via email at: qnajmi@gmail.com)