Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane stirred a major controversy with his recent remarks on the situation in Kerala, drawing sharp criticism from the Opposition and religious groups. Rane, in a provocative statement, claimed that the decreasing Hindu population and rising instances of religious conversions and “Love Jihad” in Kerala are matters of grave concern, equating the situation to the plight of Hindus in Pakistan.
“Kerala is very much a part of our country, but the decreasing population of Hindus is something everyone should worry about. Religious conversion of Hindus into Christians and Muslims is becoming an everyday thing there. Love Jihad cases are also increasing. If a similar situation arises in Kerala as we see in Pakistan, then we have to think about it. We want our Hindu Rashtra to remain a Hindu Rashtra, and Hindus should be protected in every way,” Rane stated in a fiery address.
Defending his comments, Rane claimed they were based on “facts” and challenged the Opposition, particularly the Congress, to disprove his assertions. “I was just stating the facts so that everyone knows what the situation is. Let the Opposition, Congress prove me wrong,” he added.
The remarks have triggered an uproar, with critics accusing Rane of spreading communal disharmony and politicizing religious demographics. Congress leaders slammed Rane’s comments as “divisive” and called for an apology, while activists labeled his statements as inflammatory and dangerous for societal harmony.
The Kerala government, meanwhile, dismissed Rane’s claims as baseless, citing the state’s progressive policies and inclusive governance model. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan responded strongly, saying, “Kerala’s social fabric is robust, and we will not allow communal forces to tarnish it.”