The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has publicly distanced itself from the recent inflammatory remarks made by its MLA, Nitesh Rane, against the Muslim community. The controversy erupted after Rane delivered a speech in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, where he issued a threatening statement targeting Muslims.
During a debate on India Today, BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha condemned Rane’s comments, emphasizing that such rhetoric has no place in public discourse. “Such words have no place in public life and should never be spoken by any politician,” Sinha asserted, signaling the party’s disapproval of Rane’s language.
The Maharashtra police have since filed two FIRs against Nitesh Rane for his inflammatory speeches, delivered on two separate occasions on Sunday. The speeches were made at an event organized in support of the religious figure Ramgiri Maharaj, who had previously sparked controversy with derogatory remarks during a religious program in Nashik’s Shah Panchale village.
At the event, titled “Sakal Hindu Samaj Andolan,” Rane, while defending Ramgiri Maharaj, said, “If you dare harm our Ramgiri Maharaj, we will enter your mosque and hunt you down one by one. Keep this in mind.” This statement quickly went viral, drawing strong criticism from Muslim leaders and opposition parties alike.
This incident is not the first time Rane has courted controversy with his statements against the Muslim community. Earlier this year, in April, multiple cases were filed against him following his alleged threats against the minority community in the wake of communal violence on Mira Road.
Tuhin Sinha, addressing the legal actions against Rane, mentioned, “Two FIRs have been filed against Rane, and it’s only a matter of time before the law catches up.” This remark underlines the gravity of the situation and the potential legal consequences facing the BJP MLA.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the BJP will manage the fallout from Rane’s controversial statements and whether further disciplinary action will be taken against him by the party.