Maharashtra Minister Criticizes AIMIM, Calls for Ban on the Party

In a recent political upheaval, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane has accused the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) of being a terrorist organization. His comments, made in light of allegations against AIMIM councilor Mateen Majid Patel for sheltering a key suspect in a criminal case, have ignited a fierce debate. Rane controversially compared AIMIM's leader Asaduddin Owaisi to Osama bin Laden, claiming both share similar agendas. He has called for a ban on AIMIM, paralleling it with the restrictions placed on the Popular Front of India. The ongoing investigation into the case continues to unfold, with significant implications for the political landscape in Maharashtra.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 12:28 IST

Political Controversy Erupts in Maharashtra

Nitesh Rane, a leader from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Maharashtra's minister, has launched a fierce attack on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). This criticism follows allegations that AIMIM councilor Mateen Majid Patel provided shelter to Nida Khan, the main accused in the Nashik TCS case. Rane's remarks have sparked a significant political uproar, as he labeled AIMIM a terrorist organization and controversially compared its leader Asaduddin Owaisi to Osama bin Laden. He asserted that the actions carried out by Al-Qaeda under bin Laden's leadership are now being mirrored by Owaisi through AIMIM.

In a statement to the media, Rane emphasized that there is no distinction between Osama bin Laden and Asaduddin Owaisi. He claimed that the work done by bin Laden through Al-Qaeda is now being replicated by Owaisi via AIMIM. Rane also questioned the contributions of AIMIM in his constituencies, alleging that the party has accomplished very little since coming to power and that its political strategy is limited to a singular ideology.

According to him, their manifesto contains only one point, which he described as an agenda for inciting jihad. The minister further demanded that AIMIM, led by Owaisi, should be banned. He referenced the ban imposed on the Popular Front of India (PFI), stating that AIMIM should face similar restrictions. On Friday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made sharp comments regarding AIMIM councilor Mateen Majid Patel in connection with the case involving Nida Khan.

The court had denied Nida Khan's anticipatory bail. Fadnavis stated that the investigation is ongoing and that all aspects will be examined to uncover those behind the alleged conspiracy. He noted that it is evident that AIMIM councilor Mateen Majid Patel was involved in concealing Nida Khan. The investigation will reveal who was behind this and whether they were involved in a conversion racket.