Nitesh Rane Addresses Concerns Over Declining Hindu Population in Kerala

Mumbai, Dec 31 (NationPress) Following a fierce backlash from the opposition regarding his remarks about 'mini Pakistan', Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane emphasized that Kerala is indeed part of India and expressed alarm over the decreasing Hindu population.

"Kerala is ours. It is an inseparable part of our nation. It will continue to be ours. I am optimistic that Kerala will eventually become 'bhagwadhari' (saffronized)," stated Nitesh Rane amidst strong opposition criticism about his previous comment – "Kerala is mini Pakistan because that’s where Rahul Gandhi and his sister are elected. All terrorists vote for them. This is a fact, you can verify it. They have reached Parliament with the support of terrorists."

In his clarification, the Minister added that the conversion of Hindus to Christianity and Islam is an everyday occurrence in Kerala. He noted an uptick in love jihad incidents in the region. "In my speech, I was drawing parallels with how Hindus are treated in Pakistan. If a similar scenario unfolds in Kerala, we need to address it," he remarked.

He continued, "We aspire for our Hindu Rashtra to remain a Hindu Rashtra where Hindus are safeguarded. Everything I stated was based on facts." He challenged the opposition parties, particularly the Congress, to disprove his claims.

"Those who backed Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi during elections are anti-national. We possess this intelligence. The All India Muslim League, which has acted against the nation, cooperated closely with Congress. If anyone speaks against our nation, we, as dedicated workers, must take a stand against them. If someone raises the Pakistani flag, should we not respond?" he questioned.

Previously, Congress Working Committee member and former Maharashtra minister Balasaheb Thorat criticized Rane's comments, stating, "Labeling a state like Kerala as mini Pakistan and calling those who vote for Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi terrorists is typical of BJP Ministers. If they lack positive contributions, BJP leaders resort to divisive narratives about Hindus, Muslims, India, and Pakistan. A minister should be mindful while speaking publicly, yet Nitesh Rane has overstepped all bounds! The Chief Minister should at least advise his colleague that this kind of language and behavior is unacceptable, and the minister should remember his oath and act in a manner that doesn’t deepen societal divides."

State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe directed criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning the rationale behind Nitesh Rane's continued presence in the state cabinet. Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad called for Rane's expulsion from the cabinet.