Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has once again stirred controversy with remarks that many have termed provocative, suggesting that Marathi should replace Urdu as the medium of instruction in madrasas and even calling for the Islamic call to prayer, or Azaan, to be recited in Marathi.
The BJP leader made the comments while reacting to reports that Congress has initiated Marathi pathshalas (schools) in some areas of Mumbai. Rane questioned the need for the opposition to run separate Marathi schools, instead insisting that Muslim institutions adopt the language.
“Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The opposition should ask Muslims to give the Azaan in Marathi… Outside our temples, there are ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogans, but inside the shops, it’s Abdul sitting there,” said Rane, who currently serves as the state’s Minister for Fisheries and Ports Development.
Going further, Rane alleged that madrasas are not contributing to what he called "real education" and demanded a language shift. “There is no need to have separate Marathi schools. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Tell the clerics to teach Marathi so that we feel that real education happens there. Otherwise, all one gets from there is a gun,” he claimed.
The comments come at a time when the state is already witnessing heightened tensions over language issues, with multiple incidents reported where individuals were allegedly attacked for not speaking Marathi.
Rane’s remarks triggered an immediate backlash from opposition parties, who accused the minister of trying to stir communal tensions under the guise of linguistic pride.
“All that some BJP leaders are doing in Maharashtra is spreading hate under the garb of language and religion,” said AIMIM leader Waris Pathan. “It is the Chief Minister's responsibility to rein in such people before they damage the state’s social fabric.”
Congress MLA Amin Patel also responded sharply to Rane's statements, highlighting that madrasas already teach multiple languages. “Has Nitesh Rane started any Marathi classes himself? Madrasas teach English and Hindi, and some even teach Marathi. Language and religion are not the same. The Azaan is traditionally given in Arabic,” said Patel.
