Congress says BJP has "sinister plot to talibanize Maharashtra," demands Nitish Rane's resignation

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 13 (ANI): Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to "Talibanize" the state, saying that the party is using Minister Nitesh Rane to give "provocative statements" in line with their agenda.
The party's attack comes amidst repeated statements by Maharashtra minister Nitish Rane's statements being embroiled in controversy and drawing ire from opposition parties.
"Maharashtra has a glorious history of great saints and noble leaders. However, individuals with a particular ideology are deliberately spreading false information, distorting history, and polluting the social environment. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya by including warriors from all 18 castes. He never fostered hatred against anyone. However, the BJP is now misusing his name to disrupt Maharashtra's social harmony," said Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Harshavardhan Sapkal.
"As part of this agenda, provocative statements are being made using Nitesh Rane as a front. BJP's sinister plot to Talibanize Maharashtra must be recognized by the people," Sapkal's statement added.
Accusing Nitesh Rane, the state's Minister of Fisheries and Port Development, of making inflammatory and divisive statements daily. Sapkal said, "This minister is openly dictating from whom people should or should not buy meat. Who gave him the authority to decide what someone should eat or from whom they should purchase? Whether it is Halal, Jhatka, or anything else, that decision lies with the people, not with the minister."
The Congress' statement comes amidst the Maharashtra government introducing Malhar certification for meat, to keep meat eating in line with "Hindu ideology". Rane has called it a "good alternative to Mutton" for Hindus, alleging that before people "were forced to use Halal meat."
Sapkal further stated that "Rane lacks knowledge, understanding, and depth," and is merely exploiting his proximity to power by making public statements like "My boss is at Sagar Bungalow, and no one can touch me." Sapkal further alleged that Rane's "sole objective is to spread hatred in society."
Continuing his attack, the Congress state president alleged that Rane's goons had assaulted a young man named Sheikh Ashraf in Kankavli, forcing him to chant "Jai Shri Ram."
"Despite the court's directive for action, no steps have been taken. Rane continues to make openly communal statements, attempting to incite riots. Yet, there has been no action against him. Are the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and police department asleep?" Sapkal questioned.
According to Sapkal, Rane's claim that "Shivaji Maharaj's army did not have a single Muslim soldier" is a blatant display of his "ignorance".
"His statements clearly show he lacks any historical knowledge. In reality, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's army included key Muslim figures: Sarnobat Noor Khan Beg, artillery chief Ibrahim Khan, bodyguard Ibrahim Siddhi, and legal advisor Qazi Haider. During Maharaj's meeting with Afzal Khan, one of his ten bodyguards was Ibrahim Siddhi. Additionally, when Maharaj was imprisoned in Agra, the Muslim servant Madari Mehter, along with Hiroji Farjad, played a crucial role in his escape. Numerous other Muslim soldiers were part of Shivaji's army," read the party's statement.
Sapkal accused Nitesh Rane of trampling upon the Constitution and the law by consistently making inflammatory and communal remarks. He demanded that the Chief Minister clarify whether he supports Rane's actions and, if not, immediately expel him from the cabinet.
After the comments made by Nitesh Rane, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar emphasized the importance of communal harmony in the state, urging both the opposition and ruling parties to avoid making statements that could disrupt peace.
Speaking to the media today, Pawar, reflecting on the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stressed that Shivaji's vision of Hindavi Swarajya was inclusive, bringing together people from all communities.
"Some people make statements that Maharashtra cannot tolerate. Be it the opposition or the ruling party, Maharashtra cannot afford this. All the dignitaries who led Maharashtra tried to maintain communal harmony. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj did not discriminate between castes or communities while establishing Hindavi Swarajya," the Deputy CM said.
Pawar added, "He took everyone along and established Hindavi Swarajya. The new generation should always remember that. Members from both sides should ensure that no statement causes law and order problems."
Ajit Pawar also highlighted the patriotism of Maharashtra's Muslim community, noting their historical contributions alongside Hindu leaders in the state's fight for independence and unity. (ANI)