Maharashtra Minister Critiques Rahul Gandhi's Student Program as 'Sharia' Promotion
Nitesh Rane's Controversial Remarks
File image of Nitish Rane(Photo: IANS)
Mumbai, Sep 2: Maharashtra's Minister Nitesh Rane has publicly criticized Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' initiative, claiming it serves as a platform not for students but for promoting 'Sharia' in India.
Rane stated, “Rahul Gandhi Ji’s initiative titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ does not echo the voices of students; rather, it resonates with the 'Goonj of Sharia'. During this program, if the focus is solely on opposing Hindus, denouncing Manusmriti, and advocating for hijab-wearing women while questioning their freedom, it would be more fitting to present such views in an Urdu school or madrasa.”
He further accused the program of being influenced by external political entities.
“What he is attempting is less about students and more about catering to foreign powers, particularly those in Pakistan who are scripting his speeches. The rhetoric he uses mirrors what is echoed in the Pakistan Parliament. Thus, it is not ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’, but rather the ‘Goonj of Sharia’. Their aim is to introduce Sharia in India, and Rahul Gandhi, akin to a Pakistani agent, is facilitating this agenda,” Rane asserted.
“India is a democratic nation governed by the Constitution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, which grants everyone the right to express themselves. However, the activities in such programs are being closely monitored by the Hindu community,” he added.
Rane also directed his criticism towards the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray, contrasting it with the original Shiv Sena established by Balasaheb Thackeray.
“The Shiv Sena we remember was the one led by Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray Ji. There is a stark contrast between that Shiv Sena and the current Shiv Sena (UBT) under Uddhav Ji. The original Shiv Sena was rooted in Hindutva and supported the idea of a Hindu Rashtra,” Rane remarked.
“Balasaheb Thackeray Ji’s vision of Hindutva cannot be compared to today’s Shiv Sena (UBT) or Uddhav Ji’s faction. There is no basis for comparison,” he continued.
Rane emphasized that the government is vigilant against forces he perceives as threats to the nation and warned of a decisive response.
“We are monitoring all entities that pose a risk to our nation. Any actions against our country and Hindu identity will be met with a robust response. We possess the strength to confront any adversary,” he stated.
“We identify as patriotic Hindus before our roles as ministers, MPs, or MLAs. Anyone who harbors ill intentions towards this country will not be tolerated. We are prepared to send them back to their origins in Pakistan,” Rane added.
In response to comments made by MNS leader Amit Thackeray, Rane remarked that mere statements do not equate to political success.
“Making statements yields no tangible results. The consequences of such statements are something his father has already faced. Neither the people of Maharashtra nor the nation have elected them as MLAs or MPs thus far,” he said.
“Those who have strayed from the core principles of Hindutva championed by Balasaheb Thackeray Ji are currently sidelined. As long as our pro-Hindutva government remains in power, attempts at such politics will be futile,” Rane asserted.
He also claimed that the BJP-led government enjoys strong backing from the Hindu community in Maharashtra.
“The Hindu community has placed their faith in us. I assert today: I became an MLA because the Hindus in my constituency chose me; I did not solicit votes from any particular neighborhood. The Hindu populace of Maharashtra has elected our government with a significant majority based on Hindutva,” he stated.
“Thus, with our ministry established for this cause, no Hindu in this state should feel threatened—because barking dogs do not bite. Everyone should keep this in mind,” Rane concluded.
Nitesh Rane reiterated that they have no issues with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, clarifying, “We have no problem with Abhijeet Dipke or Saurav Das. Our concerns lie with Umar Khalid and those who seek to divide the nation. We oppose those who mock our deities and insult Goddess Sita. Our issue is with the forces behind them, who, through this CJP agitation, have exploited our youth to advocate for the fragmentation of Kashmir and the division of India, while chanting slogans of Allah-u-Akbar.”
Rane also addressed the controversy surrounding Sonia Gandhi's remarks on Vande Mataram, stating, “When Sonia Gandhi claims that the full version of Vande Mataram should not be sung, is that not divisive politics? Those who accuse us of Hindu-Muslim politics should consider her statement, where she said, 'I will not recite the complete Vande Mataram; stop it after three stanzas'. What kind of politics is that? Is that not appeasement? If one believes in secularism, does it not encompass Hindus as well? Is it solely for the Muslim community or minorities? This is why I assert that we do not engage in divisive politics.”
The Maharashtra Minister further stated, “Anyone involved in anti-national activities against our country, anyone opposing this nation, anyone who stands against our Hindu identity, will hear Jai Shri Ram in response to Allah-u-Akbar, and they will also hear the warning, 'We will reduce you to dust'.”
Rane praised Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, stating, “Yogi Baba is a patriot and a devoted Hindu, as are we all; we are all passionate Hindus. Consider those who act against our nation: if someone were to raise a flag in Pakistan or chant Jai Shri Ram there, would they be allowed to live? If someone in Pakistan refused to sing its national anthem, as people here oppose Vande Mataram, would they be spared? Look at the situation in Bangladesh right now. How many reports have you seen about it? How many Hindus are being persecuted in Bangladesh? It is an Islamic nation, after all. If we stand for our Hindu nation, how is that wrong? We are ready to go to any lengths for our Hindu identity.”