Rahul, Priyanka’s Wins in Kerala Spark Controversy as Maharashtra Minister Makes Harsh Remarks
Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane has sparked a significant controversy with his remarks regarding the electoral victories of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi in Kerala. Rahul Gandhi had won from the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency, followed by Priyanka Gandhi achieving success in the state. Nitish Rane alleged that Kerala is a "mini Pakistan" and claimed that “terrorists voted for Rahul and Priyanka, which is why they won.”
Rane’s comments have drawn widespread criticism and ignited a political storm. Opposition parties, particularly the Congress, have strongly condemned his remarks. Congress leaders questioned how a minister, who has taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, could make such statements. They demanded that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately remove Rane from the cabinet, stating that he is unfit to hold the ministerial position.
In response to the backlash, Nitish Rane defended his comments, stating that they were based on incidents of “love jihad” and religious conversions in Kerala, which he claimed led him to compare the state to Pakistan.
This is not the first time Nitish Rane has courted controversy. He has a history of making provocative and inflammatory speeches. In September, he was booked by the police for allegedly threatening to assault Muslims. Additionally, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut has filed a defamation suit against him. Nitish Rane, the son of former Union minister Narayan Rane, has long been involved in contentious political discourse.