AIMIM leader and former MLA Waris Pathan on Friday, September 20, launched a scathing attack on BJP leader Nitesh Rane for his controversial and provocative comments made during a speech in Sangli. The Kankavli MLA from Maharashtra had sparked outrage by saying that if the police were given a day off, Hindus would “show their strength.”
In response, Pathan posted a fiery video message on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, warning Rane against instigating communal tensions. “If he (Rane) dares to enter a mosque as he claims, he won’t be able to walk out on his own and will have to be carried on a stretcher,” Pathan said, referring to Rane’s earlier comments made during a rally by Sakal Hindu Samaj on September 2 in Ahmednagar. At that event, Rane had threatened that those who even touch or look at Ramgiri Maharaj would be “thrashed inside a mosque.”
Waris Pathan alleged that the BJP, under the guise of these remarks, is deliberately attempting to provoke riots ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Maharashtra. He further questioned Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the state government for their inaction in reining in Nitesh Rane’s provocative behavior.
“Why isn’t the ruling government taking action? Are they just going to sit back and allow these incendiary comments?” Pathan asked, calling for immediate intervention to prevent communal unrest.
Pathan has been vocal in addressing communal issues in the state. Earlier, he met with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in Bhiwandi after a violent clash broke out between two groups during the Ganesh idol immersion process. Stones were reportedly hurled, sparking tension in the area, and the police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.
Pathan accused the BJP and RSS of orchestrating these incidents to disrupt peace and harmony before the elections. He urged the police to take decisive action and bring those responsible to justice, warning against selective or “random action.”
With assembly elections approaching, Pathan’s comments highlight the rising political tensions in Maharashtra, as leaders from different parties exchange heated rhetoric, increasing concerns over communal harmony in the state.