Maharashtra Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has once again courted controversy with inflammatory remarks, this time interpreting 'EVM' as "Every Vote Against Mullah" during a speech at a Hindu Garjana Sabha in Sangli. Rane, known for his provocative statements, said, ?Yes, we are EVM MLAs, but EVM means every vote against Mullah,? while addressing criticism about electronic voting machines (EVMs).

Rane alleged that opposition parties were raising concerns over EVMs because they could not accept the Hindu community's united support for the ruling alliance.

History of Controversial Statements

This is not the first time Nitesh Rane, son of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Narayan Rane, has sparked outrage. Recently, he referred to Kerala as ?mini Pakistan,? claiming that ?terrorists? from the state vote for Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. After widespread criticism, Rane clarified his remarks, stating that Kerala is an integral part of India but compared the situation there to Pakistan due to issues like religious conversions and alleged "love jihad" cases.

Backlash and Criticism

Rane?s latest comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Jitendra Awhad of the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) accused Rane and the BJP of fostering communal divisions. ?Nitesh Rane took an oath on the Constitution, yet his words and actions seem aimed only at creating Hindu-Muslim divisions,? Awhad said.

Legal Troubles

According to reports, there are currently 38 FIRs registered against Rane for various inflammatory statements and actions. Despite his controversial reputation, Rane remains a prominent voice in the BJP, often taking hardline positions on religious and cultural issues.