Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to “Talibanize” the state by using Minister Nitesh Rane to deliver provocative and divisive statements. Sapkal alleged that the ruling party is systematically distorting history and misusing the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to polarize society.
“Maharashtra has a glorious history of great saints and noble leaders. However, individuals with a particular ideology are deliberately spreading false information, distorting history, and polluting the social environment. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya by including warriors from all 18 castes. He never fostered hatred against anyone. However, the BJP is now misusing his name to disrupt Maharashtra’s social harmony,” Sapkal stated.
Congress Slams Nitesh Rane’s ‘Communal Agenda’
As part of this alleged agenda, Sapkal accused the BJP of using Minister of Fisheries and Port Development Nitesh Rane to incite communal tensions. “BJP’s sinister plot to Talibanize Maharashtra must be recognized by the people,” Sapkal declared.
He further condemned Rane’s remarks regarding meat consumption, in which the minister sought to regulate meat sales in line with Hindu traditions. “This minister is openly dictating from whom people should or should not buy meat. Who gave him the authority to decide what someone should eat or from whom they should purchase? Whether it is Halal, Jhatka, or anything else, that decision lies with the people, not with the minister,” Sapkal asserted.
The remarks come in the wake of the Maharashtra government introducing Malhar certification for meat to align consumption practices with “Hindu ideology.” Rane claimed this was a “good alternative” to Halal meat, which he alleged was previously imposed on Hindus.
Attack on Rane’s ‘Historical Ignorance’
Sapkal also lambasted Rane’s recent assertion that Shivaji Maharaj’s army had no Muslim soldiers, calling it a “blatant display of ignorance.” The Congress leader emphasized that Shivaji’s army had key Muslim figures, including Sarnobat Noor Khan Beg, artillery chief Ibrahim Khan, bodyguard Ibrahim Siddhi, and legal advisor Qazi Haider.
“When Maharaj met Afzal Khan, one of his ten bodyguards was Ibrahim Siddhi. Additionally, when Maharaj was imprisoned in Agra, the Muslim servant Madari Mehter, along with Hiroji Farjad, played a crucial role in his escape. Numerous other Muslim soldiers were part of Shivaji’s army,” Sapkal highlighted, countering Rane’s claims.
Congress Demands Rane’s Expulsion from Cabinet
Citing a recent incident in which Rane’s alleged supporters assaulted a young man named Sheikh Ashraf in Kankavli, forcing him to chant “Jai Shri Ram,” Sapkal questioned the lack of action against the minister. “Despite the court’s directive for action, no steps have been taken. Rane continues to make openly communal statements, attempting to incite riots. Yet, there has been no action against him. Are the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and police department asleep?” he asked.
Demanding immediate action, Sapkal called on Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to clarify his stance on Rane’s statements. “Does the CM support Rane’s actions? If not, he must expel him from the cabinet immediately,” he said.
Ajit Pawar Calls for Communal Harmony
Amid the controversy, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar urged leaders across party lines to avoid divisive remarks that could disturb communal peace in the state.
“Some people make statements that Maharashtra cannot tolerate. Be it the opposition or the ruling party, Maharashtra cannot afford this. All the dignitaries who led Maharashtra tried to maintain communal harmony. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not discriminate between castes or communities while establishing Hindavi Swarajya,” Pawar stated, emphasizing Shivaji’s inclusive vision for Maharashtra.