Maharashtra Port Development Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane has once again triggered controversy after making remarks on Bakrid, madrassas, religious conversion and cow slaughter during a public event in Maharashtra’s Neral area of Karjat taluka.
Speaking at a “Virat Hindu Sammelan,” Rane questioned environmental activists for what he described as selective criticism of Hindu festivals. He claimed that during festivals like Holi and Diwali, environmentalists often advise Hindus to avoid water wastage and crackers but remain silent during Bakrid.
“Whenever Hindu festivals come, people start giving lectures on celebrating dry Holi or avoiding crackers on Diwali,” Rane said. Challenging environmentalists, he added, “If they have courage, they should ask Muslims to celebrate ‘virtual Bakrid’ by putting a goat’s picture on a computer instead of sacrificing animals.”
Rane also referred to Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, saying, “Savarkar had said Hindus are not in danger from Muslims, but from inactive Hindus among themselves.”
Remarks on Gita, Quran and Religious Conversion
During his speech, Rane also made controversial comments comparing religious teachings. He claimed that the Bhagavad Gita does not promote conversion or expansion of religion by changing another person’s faith.
Referring to the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Rane said Sambhaji Maharaj did not change his religion despite suffering torture under Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
“Some people get tempted and convert their religion, but Sambhaji Maharaj did not,” Rane said. He further alleged that “Sanatan Dharma does not teach the destruction of other religions to grow its own faith, but Islam does.”
He also expressed concern over alleged attacks on Hindus in Pakistan and Bangladesh and spoke about issues related to “jihad,” population growth and Hindutva.
‘Madrassas Are Terror Bases’: Rane’s Sharp Attack
Rane made serious allegations against madrassas, claiming they were involved in anti-national activities and should face police action.
“I have been saying from day one that madrassas are not educational institutions but have become bases for terrorists,” Rane said. “Anti-national things are taught there. These madrassas are on my radar.”
Calling for strict action, he urged the police to conduct raids on madrassas allegedly involved in anti-national activities. “The police should raid such madrassas and take action against those directly or indirectly helping anti-national activities,” he said.
In another remark, Rane sarcastically claimed that students leaving madrassas “do not become doctors or engineers.”
Call for Strict Policing and Cow Protection
The BJP minister also referred to recent government measures against illegal cow slaughter and transport ahead of Bakrid. He urged police officials to strictly implement government orders related to cow protection.
“Police officers who protect our mother cow and follow these orders will get good postings,” Rane said, adding that such officers would be honoured.
Speaking about law and order, he referred to actions against illegal encroachments, including demolitions in Mumbai’s Bandra area. Rane alleged that police often face attacks during anti-encroachment drives and urged officers to take a tougher stand during riots.
“When police are attacked with stones during riots, they should act firmly,” he said.
‘No One Is Bigger Than the Nation’
Rane also said that people who refuse to respect the Indian national flag or oppose saying “Vande Mataram” do not have the right to stay in India.
“No one is bigger than the nation,” he said while urging Hindu unity. He appealed to the Hindu community to stay “aware, organised and united” and said society should collectively stand against injustice faced by Hindus.
The event was attended by several local leaders, RSS members and residents, while heavy police security arrangements were put in place in and around the venue.
