Maharashtra politics has heated up after BJP minister Nitesh Rane made strong remarks against the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), calling it a “terrorist organisation” and demanding a ban on the party.
His comments came after a controversy in the Nashik TCS religious conversion and sexual harassment case, where an AIMIM corporator was accused of sheltering the main accused, Nida Khan.
Speaking to the media, Rane said there is no difference between AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and global terror figure Osama bin Laden.
“AIMIM is not a political party. It is a terrorist organisation. There is no difference between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi. The same kind of work that was done through Al-Qaeda is now being done through AIMIM,” Rane alleged.
He further claimed that the party promotes a divisive agenda and demanded that it be banned in India.
“Just like PFI was banned, AIMIM should also be banned,” he added, referring to the earlier prohibition on the Popular Front of India.
AIMIM Strongly Rejects Allegations, Calls Them Hate Speech
The remarks triggered an immediate political backlash. AIMIM leaders strongly condemned Rane’s statement, calling it “hate-filled” and politically motivated.
Party leaders said such comments are aimed at targeting Muslims and creating communal tension. Supporters of Asaduddin Owaisi also accused the BJP minister of attacking democratic values and spreading hatred for political gains.
War of Words Over Nashik Case
The controversy is linked to the ongoing Nashik case involving allegations of religious conversion and sexual harassment at a TCS office. A local AIMIM corporator, Mateen Majid Patel, has been accused of providing shelter to the main accused, Nida Khan.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also commented on the matter, saying that the investigation is ongoing and all aspects will be examined.
“It is clear that the AIMIM corporator had a role in sheltering the accused. The truth will come out after investigation,” Fadnavis said.
Opposition Slams Rane’s Statement
Opposition parties, including Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT), strongly criticised Nitesh Rane’s comments. They termed his remarks “unconstitutional” and “dangerous for social harmony.”
Opposition leaders demanded action from the Chief Minister against the BJP minister, saying that such statements could increase communal tension in the state.
They also accused the BJP of repeatedly targeting minorities for political benefit.
