"Ask them to recite Hanuman Chalisa...": BJP Leader Urges Hindus to Boycott Non-Hindu Shops After Pahalgam Attack

Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Nitesh Rane sparked controversy on Friday after urging Hindus to ask shopkeepers about their religion before purchasing anything. His remarks came in the wake of the recent terrorist attack in J & K's Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people.

Addressing a public gathering in Dapoli town of Ratnagiri district, Rane said, "They asked about our religion before killing us. Therefore, Hindus should also ask about their religion before buying anything."

"If they are asking your religion and killing you, then you should also ask about their religion before making any purchase. Hindu
organizations should raise such a demand," said Rane.

He further alleged that some shopkeepers may hide their true religion or even lie about it.

Taking his statement a step further, the minister said, "Whenever you go shopping, ask about their religion. If they say they are Hindu, ask them to recite the Hanuman Chalisa. If they cannot recite it, then do not buy anything from them."

Referring to the Pahalgam incident, Rane said that heavily armed terrorists attacked innocent tourists in the Baisaran valley, killing 26 people. The victims were reportedly asked to separate based on religion, and those who couldn’t recite the Kalma—an Islamic declaration of faith—were shot dead.

Drawing a historical comparison, Rane said, "Look at Aurangzeb. He did not respect even his father and brother. If he couldn’t respect his own family, how will they respect you?"

Concluding his speech, he urged the audience to take a pledge: "If they are behaving this way about religion, then why should we buy things from them and make them rich? You people must pledge that whenever you make any purchase, it should be only from a Hindu."​