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.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also slammed Rane, highlighting his hypocrisy by pointing out Rane’s earlier tweets welcoming the Tablighi Jamaat’s Ijtema, contrasting them with his current stance against madrasas and Azaan.
NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar hit back at the minister, alleging, “He makes such statements only after receiving instructions from his senior leaders over the phone, he rarely uses his own understanding. And if he truly believes there are guns or bombs in madrasas, then as someone holding the Home Ministry portfolio, he should go ahead and investigate instead of making baseless claims.”
NCP leader Idris Naikwadi also condemned the remarks, stating, “Rane is a minister, and he should know his responsibilities. No one has ever stopped anyone from introducing Marathi in madrasas. But every religious community has its own mother tongue, for most Muslims, it’s Urdu,” alleging, “Rane is deliberately portraying minorities in a negative light to gain political advantage. He frequently makes such statements, and frankly, not all deserve a response.”
Calling the remarks “very low and disgraceful,” Samajwadi Party State President Abu Azmi strongly criticised it, stating, “Those who are linking language with religion should know that the Quran is also taught in Marathi in many madrasas. And those who talk about giving guns in madrasas should first read their history. These people are nothing but worshippers of hatred.”
Shashikant Shinde, a senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) – Sharadchandra Pawar faction, said, “This is the responsibility of the Home Ministry. There’s no need to create unnecessary tension. If he wants Marathi taught in madrasas, who is stopping him? As a minister, he should raise such matters in the Cabinet, not make provocative public statements.”
Nitesh Rane has a history of aggressive rhetoric and polarizing communal remarks, often aimed at consolidating his Hindu voter base.
In September 2024, Rane was in three FIRs for delivering provocative speeches in Ahmednagar, allegedly threatening violence against Muslims, including remarks about “entering mosques and hitting those insides.”
In December 2024, Rane referred to ,while targeting Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi, claiming their electoral support came from “anti-nationals” and terrorists.
In January 2025, he called for a ban on burqas in examination centers, arguing it was necessary to maintain uniformity and transparency during exams.