Opposition leaders on Wednesday condemned Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane for his provocative remarks suggesting that Marathi should replace Urdu in madrasas and that the Azaan be recited in Marathi, accusing him of inciting communal tensions and exploiting minority communities for political gain ahead of the upcoming elections.
Rane sparked controversy with remarks suggesting that Marathi should replace Urdu in madrasas and that the Islamic call to prayer (Azaan) be delivered in Marathi.
Responding to reports of Congress starting Marathi schools in Mumbai, Rane said, “Why does Congress need to run Marathi schools? The Opposition should ask Muslims to give the Azaan in Marathi. Instead of Urdu, teach Marathi in madrasas. Otherwise, all you get from there is a gun.”
His remarks, implying that madrasas, Islamic educational institutions, primarily produce weapons or foster violence rather than provide education, were widely criticised as Islamophobic and accused of perpetuating harmful stereotypes against the Muslim community.
These statements were widely criticized by opposition leaders, including Congress, NCP-SP, and AIMIM, who accused him of fuelling communal tensions for political gain ahead of elections.
AIMIM leader Waris Pathan condemned Rane, accusing him and the BJP of “spreading hatred in the name of religion and language” to create unrest for political gains ahead of elections.
“It is the responsibility of the Chief Minister to stop such individuals…,” he said.
This story was originally published in maktoobmedia.com. Read the full story here.