Shashi Tharoor Slams Nitesh Rane Over Statements Against Muslims
BJP leader and minister Nitesh Rane is often in the news for his controversial statements. While speaking in Sangli on Friday (January 10), he once again sparked outrage with his remarks. Rane stated, “We kept our stand as Hindus clear, and Hindus came together and voted for us, so we won. Now these (Mahavikas Aghadi) people are shouting about EVMs. They are complaining about EVMs because they cannot accept that Hindus have united. In fact, they do not even know the meaning of EVM. EVM stands for ‘Every Vote Against Mullah.’ We have been elected because of this EVM.”
Rane’s statement has drawn widespread criticism from opposition leaders and minority communities.
Shashi Tharoor’s Response
Congress leader and MP Shashi Tharoor reacted strongly to Rane’s remarks. Speaking to news agency ANI, Tharoor said, “It is shocking to hear such statements from leaders in our country. These people should reflect on the values of the freedom struggle and their original objectives.”
Criticism From Other Leaders
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, president of the RPI (Athawale group), also condemned the statement, saying, “This statement by Nitesh Rane is very wrong. He should not have said such things.” Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha added, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi should exercise some control over his party members.”
Nationalist Congress Party’s Reaction
Mahesh Taske, spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), expressed his displeasure, stating, “Ministers at the state or central level take an oath on the Constitution, which upholds equality for all. Such statements are unbefitting of a minister and go against the principles of the Constitution.”
Nitesh Rane’s Controversial History
Rane, who won the election campaigning on a Hindutva platform, said, “I became an MLA and a minister because Hindus voted for me.” This is not the first time he has made anti-Muslim statements, which have consistently drawn criticism from across the country.
