Nitesh Rane Criticizes Thackeray Brothers' Rally as Anti-Hindu

Nitesh Rane's Strong Remarks on Thackeray Brothers' Rally

In a recent statement, Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane targeted the Thackeray brothers, Uddhav and Raj, regarding their joint rally in Mumbai, labeling it as anti-Hindu and influenced by jihadist ideologies.

Rane accused the brothers of attempting to divide society and weaken the state. This rally marked the first time in two decades that Uddhav and Raj shared a public platform, celebrating the event named 'Awaaz Marathi Cha,' which aimed to protest against two government orders that previously mandated the inclusion of Hindi in schools from grades one to three.

Speaking to reporters a day before the rally, Rane stated, 'We are proud to be Hindus and Marathi. Just as jihadists try to divide our society, these individuals are doing the same. Whether it’s the Popular Front of India (PFI) or the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), both Uddhav and Raj are no different. They are attempting to weaken Maharashtra.'

Rane, a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further criticized the Thackeray brothers' rally, suggesting that its purpose was to create divisions among Hindus and Marathi people. He compared it to rallies organized by groups like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), PFI, or SIMI, asserting that it would ultimately harm Hindus in the state. He also mentioned that sweets would be distributed and firecrackers set off in the Muslim-majority area of Nala Bazaar following the rally.

The Minister for Fisheries and Port Development accused the event of being anti-Hindu. Nitesh Rane is the son of former Union Minister Narayan Rane, known for his strong opposition to Uddhav Thackeray. However, BJP senior leader and former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar expressed a different perspective on the Thackeray brothers' rally.

Mungantiwar remarked, 'If Raj and Uddhav Thackeray are coming together, it is a positive development. They have our best wishes. Both brothers should unite and remain together, and if necessary, consider merging their parties.'